Stability and transition in supersonic boundary layers

Abstract

The full three-dimensional time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically solved by a Fourier-Chebyshev collocation algorithm to study the stability of supersonic flows over a flat plate. Several non-linear numerical experiments suggest the existence of a secondary instability which might provide a possible route to transition. The interaction of the modes involved in this secondary instability is possibly amenable to a Floquet theory. Pertinent differences between this instability and the more common incompressible K-type instabilities are pointed out.