Direct numerical simulation of the transitional zone

Abstract

Properties of the transitional zone in channel and boundary-layer flow are determined from the results of direct numerical simulations of forced transition. Three channel flow cases produce similar behavior, particularly in the 'transition function' relevant for some algebraic eddy viscosity models of the transitional zone. Moreover, the transitional zone from the computed forced boundary-layer transition is qualitatively similar to experimental data for natural transition and to the computed channel flow transition.