Role of localized streamwise structures in the process of transition to turbulence in boundary layers and jets (review)

Journal article, 2002

Results of the analysis of specific features of the laminar-turbulent transition in various subsonic shear flows, which are caused by localizedstationary and nonstationary streamwise structures,are presented. One mechanism of flow turbulization is considered, which involves the origination and development of secondary high-frequency disturbances in regions of flow instability generated by its modulation by streamwise structures. It is shown that this process is identical in different types of shear flows (boundary layers and jets) and in flows of the type of localized streamwise structures (stationary or nonstationary).