Theory on instability and transition

Abstract

The fundamental fluid dynamics governing instability and transition to turbulence in boundary layers are considered, and attention is focused on the key aspects of nonlinear dynamics central to the transition process and to turbulent boundary-layer phenomena. Emphasis is placed on truly nonlinear theories, in which the boundary layer mean-flow profile is completely altered from its original form. Nonlinear TS transitions, Euler-stage interactions, and vortex/wave interactions are discussed, and compressible boundary layers are analyzed. Connections with experiments and computations are outlined, along with overall trends including the extension of the nonlinear theory and the advancement in the compressible and other flow regimes.