A highly accurate finite-difference PSE code has been developed to investigate the stability analysis of incompressible boundary layers over a flat plate. The PSE equations are derived in terms of primitive variables and are solved numerically by using compact method. In these formulations, both nonparallel as well as nonlinear effects are accounted for. The validity of present numerical scheme is demonstrated using spatial simulations of two cases; two-dimensional (linear and nonlinear) Tollmien-Schlichting wave propagation and three-dimensional subharmonic instability breakdown. The PSE solutions have been compared with previous numerical investigations and experimental results and show good agreement.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
boundary layers, flow instability, laminar to turbulent transitions, finite difference methods, Navier-Stokes equations, boundary-value problems, initial value problems
Topics:
Boundary layers, Computation, Flow (Dynamics), Stability, Waves, Flat plates, Boundary-value problems
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