Numerical simulations of transition in oscillatory plane channel flow

Abstract

The effect of flow oscillation on the stability of plane channel flow is studied via numerical simulation. For weak oscillation, the ratio of the Stokes layer thickness to the distance from the wall to the critical layer in steady flow provides the best normalization for the mean-flow frequency. Maximum growth rates occur when the instantaneous velocity profile has large regions of positive curvature. The effect of oscillation is generally stabilizing. However, at low frequencies, TS wave energies may vary by 106 in a cycle and irreversible secondary instability may be produced at the peak.