Spatial direct numerical simulation of high-speed boundary-layer flows. II: Transition on a cone in Mach 8 flow (Q1911114)

[For part I, see the authors, \textit{T. A. Zang} and \textit{M. H. Carpenter}, ibid. 7, No. 1, 49-76 (1995; Zbl 0824.76055).] The laminar breakdown of the boundary-layer flow of an axisymmetric sharp cone in a Mach 8 flow is simulated by a synergistic approach that combines the parabolized stability equation method and spatial direct numerical simulation. The transitional state is triggered by a symmetric pair of oblique second-mode disturbances whose nonlinear interactions generate strong streamwise vorticity, which leads in turn to severe spanwise variations in the flow and eventual laminar breakdown.