Direct resonances in Orr-Sommerfeld problems (Q1090193)

In the present paper direct resonances in Orr-Sommerfeld problems are investigated. The author shows that spatial direct resonances between discrete Orr-Sommerfeld modes are possible in plane Poiseuille flows and boundary-layer type flows if three-dimensional disturbances are considered. It is demonstrated that the corresponding response increases with increasing Reynolds number. Concerning plane Poiseuille flow turbulence sets in before this response becomes large enough. For boundary-layer type flows the response can be rather large already in the laminar flow domain. The author points out that this phenomenon should be observable. He suggests to study the possibility of direct resonances between other modes particularly in view of the laminar-turbulent transition process.