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Spanwise scale selection in plane mixing layers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2006

Michael M. Rogers
Affiliation:
NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
Robert D. Moser
Affiliation:
NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA

Abstract

Direct numerical simulations of temporally evolving plane mixing layers undergoing as many as three pairings have been examined for evidence of spanwise scale change. All simulations were begun from a few low-wavenumber disturbances, usually derived from linear stability theory, in addition to the mean velocity. The amplitude of the initial three-dimensional disturbances varied from infinitesimal to large enough to trigger a rapid transition to turbulence. The time required for a change of characteristic spanwise scale with infinitesimal three-dimensional disturbances was found to be very long, requiring three or more pairings to complete a doubling of the spanwise scale. Stronger three-dimensionality can produce more rapid scale changes, but it is also likely to trigger transition to turbulence. No evidence was found for a change from an organized array of rib vortices at one spanwise scale to a similar array at a larger spanwise scale.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1993 Cambridge University Press

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