Global two-dimensional stability measures of the flat plate boundary-layer flow

The stability of the two-dimensional flat plate boundary-layer is studied by means of global eigenmodes. These eigenmodes depend both on the streamwise and wall-normal coordinate, hence there are no assumptions on the streamwise length scales of the disturbances. Expanding the perturbation velocity field in the basis of eigenmodes yields a reduced order model from which the stability characteristics of the flow, i.e. the initial condition and forcing function leading to the largest energy growth, are extracted by means of non-modal analysis. In this paper we show that, even when performing stability analysis using global eigenmodes, it is not sufficient to consider only a few of the least damped seemingly relevant eigenmodes. Instead it is the task of the optimization procedure, inherent in the non-modal analysis, to decide which eigenmodes are relevant. We show that both the optimal initial condition and the optimal forcing structure have the form of upstream tilted structures. Time integration reveals that these structures gain energy through the so called Orr mechanism, where the instabilities extract energy from the mean shear. This provides the optimal way of initiating Tollmien–Schlichting waves in the boundary layer. The optimal initial condition results in a localized Tollmien–Schlichting wavepacket that propagates downstream, whereas the optimal forcing results in a persistent Tollmien–Schlichting wave train.     

Study of tonal noise behavior of an airfoil by using parabolized stability equations

Tonal noise or whistle noise is an aerodynamic noise known to be generated due to boundary layer instability. The relation between the instability of Tollmien–Schlichting wave and the tonal noise was dealt with, in previous studies, for rather limited cases that employed linear stability analysis or results for idealized flow configuration. To investigate the relation between the instability wave and tonal noise in a more thorough and systematic way, we employ the parabolized stability equation approach to compute details of the stability characteristics of boundary layer developed over pressure side surface of an airfoil at various angles of attack and various free-stream velocities. Discussions on the relation between the instability and the tonal noise have been given based on the comparison of the present computational results with the experimental data. We confirm that the overall U ^1.5 dependency of the noise frequency with velocity is caused by the most amplified Tollmien–Schlichting wave. Application of a simple feedback model to the stability data of the present work provides us with the results that explain well the ladder-like structure and local U ^0.8 dependency of the tonal noise. Effects of angle of attack and chord length on the tonal noise including the frequency, velocity range, and frequency difference between peaks of the noise are also examined.     

Optimal disturbances above and upstream of a flat plate with an elliptic-type leading edge

Adjoint-based iterative methods are employed to compute linear optimal disturbances in a spatially growing boundary layer around an elliptic leading edge. The Lagrangian approach is used where an objective function is chosen and constraints are assigned. The optimisation problem is solved using power iterations combined with a matrix-free formulation, where the state is marched forward in time with a standard direct numerical simulation solver and backward with the adjoint solver until a chosen convergence criterion is fulfilled. We consider the global and, more relevant to receptivity studies, the upstream localised optimal initial condition leading to the largest possible energy amplification at time T. We find that the two-dimensional initial condition with the largest potential for growth is a Tollmien–Schlichting-like wave packet that includes the Orr mechanism and is located inside the boundary layer downstream of the leading edge. Three-dimensional optimal disturbances induce streaks by the lift-up mechanism. Requiring the optimal initial condition to be localised upstream of the plate enables us to better study the effects of the leading edge on the boundary layer receptivity mechanisms. Two-dimensional upstream disturbances are inefficient at triggering unstable eigenmodes, whereas three-dimensional disturbances induce streamwise streaks with significant growth.     

Boundary layer sensitivity and receptivitySensibilité et réceptivité d'une couche limite

The relation between the receptivity and the sensitivity of the incompressible flow in the boundary layer over a flat plate to harmonic perturbations is determined. Receptivity describes the birth of a disturbance, whereas sensitivity is a concept of larger breath, describing the modification incurred by the state of a system as a response to parametric variations. The governing equations ruling the system's state are the non-local stability equations. Receptivity and sensitivity functions can be obtained from the solution of the adjoint system of equations. An application to the case of Tollmien–Schlichting waves spatially developing in a flat plate boundary layer is studied. To cite this article: C. Airiau et al., C. R. Mecanique 330 (2002) 259–265.     

A study of the effect of step excrescences and free‐stream disturbances on boundary layer stability

In this work, a study of the mechanism by which free‐stream acoustic and vorticity disturbances interact with a boundary layer flow developing over a flat plate featuring a step excrescence located at a certain distance from a blunt leading edge is included. The numerical tool is a high‐fidelity implicit numerical algorithm solving for the unsteady, compressible form of the Navier–Stokes equations in a body‐fitted curvilinear coordinates and employing high‐accurate compact differencing schemes with Pade‐type filters. Acoustic and vorticity waves are generated using a source term in the momentum and energy equations, as opposed to using inflow boundary conditions, to avoid spurious waves that may propagate from boundaries. The results show that the receptivity to surface step excrescences is largely the result of an overall adverse pressure gradient posed by the step, and that the free‐stream disturbances accelerate the generation of instabilities in the downstream. As expected, it is found that the acoustic disturbance interacting with the surface imperfection is more efficient in exciting the Tollmien–Schlichting waves than the vorticity disturbance. The latter generates Tollmien–Schlichting waves that are grouped in wave packets consistent with the wavelength of the free‐stream disturbance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the wave-cancelling nature of boundary layer flow control

This work deals with the feedforward active control of Tollmien–Schlichting instability waves over incompressible 2D and 3D boundary layers. Through an extensive numerical study, two strategies are evaluated; the optimal linear–quadratic–Gaussian (LQG) controller, designed using the Eigensystem realization algorithm, is compared to a wave-cancellation scheme, which is obtained using the direct inversion of frequency-domain transfer functions of the system. For the evaluated cases, it is shown that LQG leads to a similar control law and presents a comparable performance to the simpler, wave-cancellation scheme, indicating that the former acts via a destructive interference of the incoming wavepacket downstream of actuation. The results allow further insight into the physics behind flow control of convectively unstable flows permitting, for instance, the optimization of the transverse position for actuation. Using concepts of linear stability theory and the derived transfer function, a more efficient actuation for flow control is chosen, leading to similar attenuation of Tollmien–Schlichting waves with only about 10% of the actuation power in the baseline case.     

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF LINEAR AND NONLINEAR DISTURBANCE EVOLUTION IN A BOUNDARY LAYER WITH COMPLIANT WALLS

A computational method capable of simulating the spatial evolution of disturbances in a boundary-layer flow with compliant coatings has been developed. The flow geometry being an unknown of the problem, this difficulty is overcome by use of a mapping, the domain being fixed in the computational coordinates. The model takes into account the nonlinear fluid-structure interaction all over the flow field, as well as nonparallel effects due to the wall displacement and to the boundary-layer growth. First, the numerical solution procedure is tested by focusing on the linear and nonlinear spatial disturbance evolution for a spring-backed elastic plate which is only unstable with respect to Tollmien–Schlichting-type travelling waves. The numerical procedure is then used to study the influence of the initial disturbance amplitude on the disturbance development for a tensioned membrane. Finally, to simulate a true physical experiment, a spring-backed elastic plate of finite length is considered. It is shown that the numerical model is capable of detecting the interaction between Tollmien–Schlichting instabilities and flow-induced surface instabilities at the interface.     

Stability of the laminar boundary layer flow encountering a row of roughness elements: Biglobal stability approach and DNS

The stability of the laminar boundary layer developing on a flat plate in the presence of a periodic row of roughness elements is investigated. A Direct Numerical Simulation is performed to compute the steady flow downstream of the roughness elements, which contains a pair of two counter-rotating streamwise vortices per element, which can be considered as a “pre-streaky” structure. The linear stability of this base flow is analyzed by means of the so-called “biglobal” stability approach. Three-dimensional eigenmodes are found, which are shown to be the continuation of the Tollmien–Schlichting waves present in the case of an unperturbed boundary layer. Moreover, a stabilizing effect due to the roughness-induced vortices is found. A Direct Numerical Simulation of the interaction between a two-dimensional Tollmien–Schlichting wave and the roughness array is also performed. The computed perturbation traveling downstream of the roughness elements is shown to be a linear combination of the biglobal eigenmodes.     

Excitation by sound of Tollmien-Schlichting waves in a supersonic boundary layer

The interaction of sound with a supersonic boundary layer is considered. Because of the dependence of the main flow on the longitudinal coordinate, a sound wave generates unstable oscillations within the boundary layer. Calculations made for Mach number M = 2.0 and dimensionless frequency 2πfv_e/U_e ² = 0.91·10^?4 showed that near the lower branch of the curve of neutral stability a Tollmien—Schlichting wave can be excited with an intensity 2–3 times greater than that of the external acoustic wave.     

Nonlinear Instability in the Region of Laminar-Turbulent Transition in Supersonic Three-Dimensional Flow over a Flat Plate

Direct numerical simulation is applied to obtain laminar-turbulent transition in supersonic flow over a flat plate. It is shown that, due to the nonlinear instability, Tollmien–Schlichting waves generated in the boundary layer lead to the formation of oblique disturbances in the flow. These represent a combination of compression and expansion waves, whose intensities can be two orders higher than that of external harmonic disturbances. The patterns of the three-dimensional flow over the plate are presented and the structures of the turbulent flat-plate boundary layers are described for the freestream Mach numbers M = 2 and 4.     

Numerical modeling of the laminar-turbulent transition control using a dielectric barrier discharge

The control of laminar-turbulent transition driven by Tollmien–Schlichting waves is studied. The control is realized by means of accelerating the boundary layer flow using a dielectric barrier discharge. As distinct from the previous studies based on the solution of the boundary layer equations, the discharge effect on the main flow and unstable disturbances are described by the Navier–Stokes equations.     

A Combined Experimental/Numerical Study of Unsteady Phenomena in a Laminar Separation Bubble

A laminar boundary layer separates in a region of adverse pressure gradient on a flat plate and undergoes transition. Finally the turbulent boundary layer reattaches, forming a laminar separation bubble (LSB). Laminar-turbulent transition within such a LSB is investigated by means of Laser-Doppler-Anemometry (LDA), Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), and direct numerical simulation (DNS). The transition mechanism occurring in the flow-field under consideration is discussed in detail. Observations for the development of small disturbances are compared to predictions from viscous linear instability theory (Tollmien–Schlichting instability). Non-linear development of these disturbances and their role in final breakdown to turbulence is analyzed.     

Perforation of 6082-T651 Aluminum Plates with 7.62 mm APM2 Bullets at Normal and Oblique Impacts

We conducted an experimental study to understand the mechanisms and dominant parameters for 7.62 mm APM2 bullets that perforate 6082-T651 aluminum armor plates at oblique impacts. The 7.62-mm-diameter, 10.7 g, APM2 bullet consists of a brass jacket, lead filler, and a 5.25 g, ogive-nose, hard steel core. The brass and lead were stripped from the APM2 bullets by the targets, so we conducted ballistic experiments with both the APM2 bullets and only the hard steel cores. These projectiles were fired from a rifle to striking velocities between 400 and 1,000 m/s into 20-mm-thick plates at normal impact (β?=?0^o) and at oblique angles of β?=?15^o, 30^o, and 45^o. Measured residual and ballistic-limit velocities for the full bullet and the hard core were within a few percent for normal impact and all oblique angles. Thus, we showed that the perforation process was dominated by the hard steel core of the bullet. In addition, we conducted large strain, compression tests on the 6082-T651 plate material for input to perforation equations derived from a cavity-expansion model for the steel core projectiles. Model predictions were shown to be in good agreement with measured ballistic-limit and residual velocity measurements for β?=?0^o, 15^o, and 30^o. We also presented a scaling law for the bullet that showed the ballistic-limit velocities were proportional to the square root of the product of plate thickness and a material strength term.     

Mach Wave Effect on Laminar-Turbulent Transition in Supersonic Flow over a Flat Plate

The effect of a Mach wave (N wave) on laminar-turbulent transition induced by the first instability mode (Tollmien–Schlichting wave) in the flat-plate boundary layer is investigated on the basis of the numerical solution of Navier–Stokes equations at the freestream Mach number of 2.5. In accordance with the experiment, the N wave is generated by a two-dimensional roughness at the computation domain boundary corresponding to the side wall of the test section of a wind tunnel. It is shown that the disturbance induced by the backward front of the N wave in the boundary layer has no effect on the beginning of transition but displaces downstream the nonlinear stage of the first mode development. The disturbance induced by the forward front of the N wave displaces the beginning of transition upstream.     

On the stability of a Bingham fluid flow in an annular channelSur la stabilité de l'écoulement d'un fluide de Bingham dans une conduite annulaire

Linear stability of a fully developed Bingham fluid flow between two coaxial cylinders subject to infinitesimal axisymetric perturbations is investigated. The analysis leads to two uncoupled Orr–Sommerfeld equations with appropriate boundary conditions. The numerical solution is obtained using fourth order finite difference scheme. The computations were performed for various plug flow dimensions and radii ratios. Within the range of the parameters considered in this paper, the Poiseuille flow of Bingham fluid is found to be linearly stable. To cite this article: N. Kabouya, C. Nouar, C. R. Mecanique 331 (2003).     

Active flow control of laminar boundary layers for variable flow conditions

This work investigates the stability of a fxLMS controller for active wave cancelation of broad-band Tollmien–Schlichting disturbances in a flat plate boundary-layer with a single DBD plasma actuator. In particular the influence of a changing free stream velocity and the resulting off-design operation of the control algorithm is analyzed up to an unstable behavior. As the main reason for unstable controller operation in the off-design case the difference between actual and predicted phase angle of the disturbances at the position of the error sensor is identified. A method for an online adjustment of the secondary-path model to different free-stream velocities is presented. Finally a wall-bounded method based on the disturbances phase speed is developed that can cope with changes of the physical secondary path not only due to changes of the free-stream velocity but also due to changes of the pressure distribution. This method enables the extension of the stable operation range of the control system significantly.     

Measurement of local forcing on a turbulent boundary layer using PIV

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the effect of periodic blowing and suction on a turbulent boundary layer. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to probe the characteristics of the flow. Local forcing was introduced to the boundary layer via a sinusoidally-oscillating jet issuing from a thin spanwise slot. Three forcing frequencies (f⁺=0.44, 0.66 and 0.88) with a fixed forcing amplitude (A⁺=0.6) were employed at Re _θ =690. The effect of three different forcing angles (α=60°, 90° and l20°) was investigated under a fixed forcing frequency (f⁺=0.088). The PIV results showed that the wall-region velocity decreases on imposition of the local forcing. Inspection of the phase-averaged velocity profiles revealed that spanwise large-scale vortices are generated downstream of the slot and persist farther downstream. The highest reduction in skin friction was achieved at the highest forcing frequency (f⁺=0.088) and a forcing angle of α=120°. The spatial fraction of the vortices was examined to analyze the skin friction reduction.     

Experimental damping of boundary-layer oscillations using DBD plasma actuators

In the present work artificially excited Tollmien–Schlichting waves were cancelled using plasma actuators operated both in continuous and pulsed modes. To achieve this a vibrating surface, driven by an electromagnetic turbulator, was flush-mounted in a flat plate to excite the TS waves. These were amplified by an adverse pressure gradient induced by an insert on the upper wall of the test section. Control plasma actuators positioned downstream of the excitation actuator attenuate the waves by imparting a steady or unsteady force into the boundary-layer. In the case with steady actuation the two actuators change the velocity profile of the laminar boundary-layer, which then attenuates the waves by itself. In the case of pulsed actuation the actuator creates an unsteady body force to counteract directly the oscillation. As a result the amplitude of the velocity fluctuations at the excitation frequency is reduced significantly in both cases. The principles and the results of the two sets of experiments are presented and discussed.     

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Gastropod Connective and Smooth Muscle Tissue

The pedal integument of terrestrial gastropod Arion rufus is composed mainly of smooth muscle cells (SMCs, 45 %), haemocoelic cavities (36 %), and collagen connective tissue. Using stereological methods, SMC two-dimensional length density (0.12 μm^?1), numerical density (426,000 mm^?3), and mean distance (31 μm) in the cluster were assessed. The average SMC could be approximated by an ellipsoid 72 μm in length with semi-axes of 3 μm. Three-dimensional reconstructions of SMCs and haemocoelic cavities of gastropod tissue were created using serial thick and semi-thin sections. These reconstructions showed the spatial arrangement of individual SMCs within the tissue: longitudinally, perpendicularly, and obliquely oriented to the main axis of the gastropod body. Using uniaxial mechanical loading with linearly increasing load or elongation at various loading rates (2, 10, and 20 mN/min; 2 and 3 mm/min) in transverse and longitudinal orientations to the main gastropod body axis, the Young’s modulus of elasticity for small (23–27 kPa) and large deformations (49–132 kPa) as well as ultimate stress (105–250 kPa) and strain (300–400 %) were determined. There was a trend toward stiffer integument tissue in the longitudinal direction compared to the transversal direction and toward increasing stiffness with loading velocity.