Laminar‐turbulent transition of the incompressible swept attachment‐line

The linear and non‐linear stability of an incompressible swept attachment‐line boundary layer are analysed, within the Görtler‐Hämmerlin framework. The system of perturbation equations is solved using spectral collocation method based on Chebyshev polynomials. The global solution method utilised for solving the eigenproblem yields the full spectrum of the least damped waves. The influence of suction and blowing on critical Reynolds numbers is analysed. A comparison of the present paper linear solutions for both zero suction and a layer in which blowing and suction are applied with the Spalart's DNS solutions (obtained for small initial disturbances) shows very good agreement. The transition Reynolds numbers have been predicted using well known exp(n) method and results are compared with the experimental data of Powilleit.