Global stability analysis of axisymmetric boundary layer over a circular cone

TL;DR

This study conducts a linear global stability analysis of the axisymmetric boundary layer over a circular cone, revealing how semi-cone angle influences flow stability and mode structures.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive global stability framework for axisymmetric cone boundary layers, highlighting the effects of cone angle and curvature on flow stability characteristics.

Findings

Higher semi-cone angles increase flow stability due to favorable pressure gradients.

Global modes are more stable at larger semi-cone angles.

Flow exhibits convective instability with increasing spatial growth rates.

Abstract

This paper presents the linear Global stability analysis of the incompressible axisymmetric boundary layer on a circular cone. The base flow is considered parallel to the axis of cone at the inlet. The angle of attack is zero and hence the base flow is axisymmetric. The favorable pressure gradient develops in the stream-wise direction due to cone angle. The Reynolds number is calculated based on the cone radius (a) at the inlet and free-stream velocity ($U_{\infty}$). The base flow velocity profile is fully non-parallel and non-similar. Linearized Navier-Stokes equations (LNS) are derived for the disturbance flow quantities in the spherical coordinates. The LNS are discretized using Chebyshev spectral collocation method. The discretized LNS along with the homogeneous boundary conditions forms a general eigenvalues problem. Arnoldi's iterative algorithm is used for the numerical solution of the general eigenvalues problem. The Global temporal modes are computed for the range of Reynolds number from 174 to 1046, semi-cone angles $2^o$, $4^o$, $6^o$ and azimuthal wave numbers from 0 to 5. It is found that the Global modes are more stable at higher semi-cone angle $\alpha$, due to the development of favorable pressure gradient. The effect of transverse curvature is reduced at higher semi-cone angles ($\alpha$). The spatial structure of the eigenmodes show that the flow is convectively unstable. The spatial growth rate ($A_x$) increases with the increase in semi-cone angle ($\alpha$) from $2^o$ to $6^o$. Thus, the effect of increase in semi-cone angle ($\alpha$) is to reduces the temporal growth rate ($\omega_i$) and to increases the spatial growth rate ($A_x$) of the Global modes at a given Reynolds number.