Mastering nonlinear flow dynamics for laminar flow control

摘要

A laminar flow control technique based on spanwise mean velocity gradients (SVGs) has recently proven successful in delaying transition in boundary layers. Here we take advantage of a well-known nonlinear effect, namely, the interaction of two oblique waves at high amplitude, to produce spanwise mean velocity variations. Against common belief we are able to fully master the first stage of this nonlinear interaction to generate steady and stable streamwise streaks, which in turn trigger the SVG method. Our experimental results show that the region of laminar flow can be extended by up to 230%.