Numerical experiments in boundary-layer stability

Abstract

Numerical solution of the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is used to study the instability of a flat-plate boundary layer in a manner analogous to the vibrating-ribbon experiments. Flow field structures are observed which are very similar to those found in the vibrating-ribbon experiment to which computational initial conditions have been matched. Stream wise periodicity is assumed in the simulation so that the evolution occurs in time, but the events that constitute the instability are so similar to the spatially occurring ones of the laboratory that it seems clear the physical processes involved are the same. A spectral and finite difference numerical algorithm is employed in the simulation.