Fundamental and subharmonic transition to turbulence in zero-pressure-gradient flat-plate boundary layers

TL;DR

This study uses simulations to investigate how secondary instabilities in Tollmien-Schlichting waves lead to the transition to turbulence in compressible flat-plate boundary layers with zero pressure gradient.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the fundamental and subharmonic transition mechanisms in compressible boundary layers through detailed simulation analysis.

Findings

Identification of transition pathways triggered by secondary instabilities

Comparison of fundamental and subharmonic transition mechanisms

Enhanced understanding of turbulence onset in compressible flows

Abstract

In this fluid dynamics video, recent simulations of transition to turbulence in compressible (M = 0.2), zero-pressure-gradient flat-plate boundary layers triggered by fundamental (Klebanoff K-type) and subharmonic (Herbert H-type) secondary instabilities of Tollmien-Schlichting waves are highlighted.