Spatial numerical simulations of linear and weakly nonlinear wave instabilities in supersonic boundary layers (Q2564120)

A spatial direct numerical simulation was performed to investigate the fundamental and subharmonic resonance in a Mach 4.8 flat-plate boundary layer. Disturbances are introduced via blowing and suction within a narrow disturbance strip. After validating the code for a Mach 3 case, small two- and three-dimensional disturbance amplitudes were used to compare the simulation results at Mach 4.8 with linear stability theory. Unexpectedly, and distinct from the Mach 3 case, a higher-order damped viscous mode, termed `multiple-viscous-solution' and predicted earlier by Mack, was excited in addition to the last stable mode. For weakly nonlinear two-dimensional initial disturbances, a fundamental resonance between two-dimensional and three-dimensional waves was observed after phase synchronization, contrasting secondary stability findings. In agreement with secondary stability theory, subharmonic resonance was found only for large spanwise wave numbers. Since the growth rates for fundamental and subharmonic resonance are of the same magnitude, it is still an open question which type of resonance is the most dangerous for transition in a supersonic boundary layer.