Complex mapped matrix methods in hydrodynamic stability problems (Q1903811)

The ordinary differential equations governing the linear stability of inviscid flows contain singularities at real or complex points called critical latitudes, which degrade the accuracy of standard numerical schemes. However, a complex mapping shifts the computational domain to a contour in the complex plane to avoid the critical latitudes. Both quadratic and cubic complex maps are considered in some detail. An analytic result for choosing the optimum quadratic complex map in the case of a single critical latitude is presented. Numerical results are given for two test problems and a barotropic vortex model.