On the Secondary Instability of the Most Dangerous Gortler Vortex
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the most unstable Gortler vortex mode is found in flows, both two and three-dimensional, with regions of (moderately) large body curvature and these modes reside within a thin layer situated at the base of the conventional boundary layer. Further work concerning the nonlinear development of the most dangerous mode demonstrates that the flow results in a self induced flow reversal. However, prior to the point at which flow reversal is encountered the total streamwise velocity profile is found to be highly inflectional in nature. Previous work then suggests that the nonlinear vortex state will become unstable. to secondary, inviscid, Rayleigh wave instabilities prior to the point of flow reversal. Our concern is with the secondary instability of the nonlinear vortex states, which result from the streamwise evolution of the most unstable Gortler vortex mode, with the aim of determining whether such modes can induce a transition to a fully turbulent state before separation is encountered. Secondary instability, Nonlinear vortex, Gortler.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA269998
Entities
People
- James P. Denier
- S. R. Otto