On a Tollmien-Schlichting wave packet produced by a turbulent spot

I. Wygnanski, J. H. Haritonidis, R. E. Kaplan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Experimental investigations in the region following the passage of an isolated turbulent spot in a laminar boundary layer reveal the existence of a pair of oblique wave packets. These packets are swept at an angle of approximately 40°, and exhibit frequency and wave speed characteristics in agreement with predictions made for oblique Tollmien-Schlichting waves. No waves exist near the centreline of the spot. Several observations of the breakdown of this ordered motion into a new turbulent spot are shown. This breakdown is accompanied by the appearance of an intense shear layer inclined to the wall.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)505-528
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics
Volume92
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1979
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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