Numerical Simulation of the Control of the Three-Dimensional Transition Process in Boundary Layers

Abstract

Surface heating techniques to control the three-dimensional laminar-turbulent transition process are numerically investigated for a water boundary layer. The Navier-Stokes and energy equations are solved using a fully implicit finite difference/spectral method. The spatially evolving boundary layer is simulated. Results of both passive and active methods of control are shown for small amplitude two-dimensional and three-dimensional disturbances waves. Control is also applied to the early stages of the secondary instability process using passive or active control techniques.