Routes of Boundary-Layer Transition

摘要

Based on multiple experimental observations it is well known at present that there are two most important kinds of fluid flow, in general, and boundary-layer flow in particular. One of them is called the laminar flow, another one - the turbulent flow. Meanwhile, there is a third kind of flow: the transitional boundary layer, which plays a role of a bridge between the other two main types of flow and represents a very special, intricate, and practically important physical phenomenon. The aim of the present paper is not to make a historical description of steps in boundary-layer transition research but rather to discuss the state of the art in the field and to give an overview of some important aspects and issues of the problem based on its modern understanding.