Enhancement of three-dimensional instability of free shear layers

1999 ◽  
Vol 379 ◽  
pp. 23-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
VIVEK SAXENA ◽  
SIDNEY LEIBOVICH ◽  
GAL BERKOOZ

Enhancement of the temporal growth rate of inviscid three-dimensional instability waves in free shear layers by deformation of the basic flow is studied. The deformation of a two-dimensional mixing layer is assumed to yield a base flow that remains unidirectional, but has a steady spanwise speed variation in addition to the two- dimensional shear. The computed growth rates for hyperbolic tangent base flow, perturbed this way, show enhanced instability in the sense that the neutral waves of the unperturbed flow exhibit positive growth rates. For each imposed spanwise periodicity, an oblique mode is selected that shows maximum growth rate. The results are consistent with related theoretical studies and with qualitative observations in experiments.

2000 ◽  
Vol 413 ◽  
pp. 1-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. P. CAULFIELD ◽  
W. R. PELTIER

We investigate the detailed nature of the ‘mixing transition’ through which turbulence may develop in both homogeneous and stratified free shear layers. Our focus is upon the fundamental role in transition, and in particular the associated ‘mixing’ (i.e. small-scale motions which lead to an irreversible increase in the total potential energy of the flow) that is played by streamwise vortex streaks, which develop once the primary and typically two-dimensional Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) billow saturates at finite amplitude.Saturated KH billows are susceptible to a family of three-dimensional secondary instabilities. In homogeneous fluid, secondary stability analyses predict that the stream-wise vortex streaks originate through a ‘hyperbolic’ instability that is localized in the vorticity braids that develop between billow cores. In sufficiently strongly stratified fluid, the secondary instability mechanism is fundamentally different, and is associated with convective destabilization of the statically unstable sublayers that are created as the KH billows roll up.We test the validity of these theoretical predictions by performing a sequence of three-dimensional direct numerical simulations of shear layer evolution, with the flow Reynolds number (defined on the basis of shear layer half-depth and half the velocity difference) Re = 750, the Prandtl number of the fluid Pr = 1, and the minimum gradient Richardson number Ri(0) varying between 0 and 0.1. These simulations quantitatively verify the predictions of our stability analysis, both as to the spanwise wavelength and the spatial localization of the streamwise vortex streaks. We track the nonlinear amplification of these secondary coherent structures, and investigate the nature of the process which actually triggers mixing. Both in stratified and unstratified shear layers, the subsequent nonlinear amplification of the initially localized streamwise vortex streaks is driven by the vertical shear in the evolving mean flow. The two-dimensional flow associated with the primary KH billow plays an essentially catalytic role. Vortex stretching causes the streamwise vortices to extend beyond their initially localized regions, and leads eventually to a streamwise-aligned collision between the streamwise vortices that are initially associated with adjacent cores.It is through this collision of neighbouring streamwise vortex streaks that a final and violent finite-amplitude subcritical transition occurs in both stratified and unstratified shear layers, which drives the mixing process. In a stratified flow with appropriate initial characteristics, the irreversible small-scale mixing of the density which is triggered by this transition leads to the development of a third layer within the flow of relatively well-mixed fluid that is of an intermediate density, bounded by narrow regions of strong density gradient.


1987 ◽  
Vol 184 ◽  
pp. 207-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph W. Metcalfe ◽  
Steven A. Orszag ◽  
Marc E. Brachet ◽  
Suresh Menon ◽  
James J. Riley

The three-dimensional stability of two-dimensional vortical states of planar mixing layers is studied by direct numerical integration of the Navier-Stokes equations. Small-scale instabilities are shown to exist for spanwise scales at which classical linear modes are stable. These modes grow on convective timescales, extract their energy from the mean flow and exist at moderately low Reynolds numbers. Their growth rates are comparable with the most rapidly growing inviscid instability and with the growth rates of two-dimensional subharmonic (pairing) modes. At high amplitudes, they can evolve into pairs of counter-rotating, streamwise vortices, connecting the primary spanwise vortices, which are very similar to the structures observed in laboratory experiments. The three-dimensional modes do not appear to saturate in quasi-steady states as do the purely two-dimensional fundamental and subharmonic modes in the absence of pairing. The subsequent evolution of the flow depends on the relative amplitudes of the pairing modes. Persistent pairings can inhibit three-dimensional instability and, hence, keep the flow predominantly two-dimensional. Conversely, suppression of the pairing process can drive the three-dimensional modes to more chaotic, turbulent-like states. An analysis of high-resolution simulations of fully turbulent mixing layers confirms the existence of rib-like structures and that their coherence depends strongly on the presence of the two-dimensional pairing modes.


2008 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. 237-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÉRÔME FONTANE ◽  
LAURENT JOLY

We perform a three-dimensional stability analysis of the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) billow, developing in a shear layer between two fluids with different density. We begin with two-dimensional simulations of the temporally evolving mixing layer, yielding the unsteady base flow fields. The Reynolds number is 1500 while the Schmidt and Froude numbers are infinite. Then exponentially unstable modes are extracted from a linear stability analysis performed at the saturation of the primary mode kinetic energy. The spectrum of the least stable modes exhibits two main classes. The first class comprises three-dimensional core-centred and braid-centred modes already present in the homogeneous case. The baroclinic vorticity concentration in the braid lying on the light side of the KH billow turns the flow into a sharp vorticity ridge holding high shear levels. The hyperbolic modes benefit from the enhanced level of shear in the braid whereas elliptic modes remain quite insensitive to the modifications of the base flow. In the second class, we found typical two-dimensional modes resulting from a shear instability of the curved vorticity-enhanced braid. For a density contrast of 0.5, the wavelength of the two-dimensional instability is about ten times shorter than that of the primary wave. Its amplification rate competes well against those of the hyperbolic three-dimensional modes. The vorticity-enhanced braid thus becomes the preferred location for the development of secondary instabilities. This stands as the key feature of the transition of the variable-density mixing layer. We carry out a fully resolved numerical continuation of the nonlinear development of the two-dimensional braid-mode. Secondary roll-ups due to a small-scale Kelvin–Helmholtz mechanism are promoted by the underlying strain field and develop rapidly in the compression part of the braid. Originally analysed by Reinoud et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 12, 2000, p. 2489) from two-dimensional non-viscous numerical simulations, this instability is shown to substantially increase the mixing.


1984 ◽  
Vol 142 ◽  
pp. 451-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. Robinson ◽  
P. G. Saffman

The three-dimensional linear stability of a rectilinear vortex of elliptical cross-section existing as a steady state in an irrotational straining field is studied numerically in the case of finite strain. It is shown that the instability predicted analytically for weak strain persists for finite strain and that the weak-strain results continue to be quantitatively valid for finite strain. The dependence of the growth rates of the unstable modes on the strain and the axial-disturbance wavelength is discussed. It is also shown that a three-dimensional instability is always more unstable than a two-dimensional instability in the range of parameters of most interest.


2013 ◽  
Vol 739 ◽  
pp. 37-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Del Guercio ◽  
Carlo Cossu ◽  
Gregory Pujals

AbstractWe show that optimal perturbations artificially forced in parallel wakes can be used to completely suppress the absolute instability and to reduce the maximum temporal growth rate of the inflectional instability. To this end we compute optimal transient energy growths of stable streamwise uniform perturbations supported by a parallel wake for a set of Reynolds numbers and spanwise wavenumbers. The maximum growth rates are shown to be proportional to the square of the Reynolds number and to increase with spanwise wavelengths with sinuous perturbations slightly more amplified than varicose ones. Optimal initial conditions consist of streamwise vortices and the optimally amplified perturbations are streamwise streaks. Families of nonlinear streaky wakes are then computed by direct numerical simulation using optimal initial vortices of increasing amplitude as initial conditions. The stabilizing effect of nonlinear streaks on temporal and spatiotemporal growth rates is then determined by analysing the linear impulse response supported by the maximum amplitude streaky wakes profiles. This analysis reveals that at $\mathit{Re}= 50$, streaks of spanwise amplitude ${A}_{s} \approx 8\hspace{0.167em} \% {U}_{\infty } $ can completely suppress the absolute instability, converting it into a convective instability. The sensitivity of the absolute and maximum temporal growth rates to streak amplitudes is found to be quadratic, as has been recently predicted. As the sensitivity to two-dimensional (2D, spanwise uniform) perturbations is linear, three-dimensional (3D) perturbations become more effective than the 2D ones only at finite amplitudes. Concerning the investigated cases, 3D perturbations become more effective than the 2D ones for streak amplitudes ${A}_{s} \gtrsim 3\hspace{0.167em} \% {U}_{\infty } $ in reducing the maximum temporal amplification and ${A}_{s} \gtrsim 12\hspace{0.167em} \% {U}_{\infty } $ in reducing the absolute growth rate. However, due to the large optimal energy growths they experience, 3D optimal perturbations are found to be much more efficient than 2D perturbations in terms of initial perturbation amplitudes. Despite their lower maximum transient amplification, varicose streaks are found to be always more effective than sinuous ones in stabilizing the wakes, in accordance with previous findings.


1988 ◽  
Vol 190 ◽  
pp. 427-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Upender K. Kaul

This study makes a specific comparison between two different two-dimensional free shear layers: the T-layer which develops in time from an initial tangential velocity discontinuity separating the two half-spaces; and the S-layer which develops downstream of the origin where two uniform streams of unequal velocity are brought into tangential contact. The method of comparison is to assume that the vorticity of the S-layer is given parabolically by a Galilean mapping of that of the T-layer; to satisfy the appropriate boundary conditions in the S-layer and to compute the velocity induced at any point in the S-layer by its vorticity field; and to compare this velocity to that which can be derived from the velocity of the T-layer at corresponding points by a Galilean transformation of the velocity itself. The purpose of this calculation is to assess approximately how far the flow in the S-layer is from parabolic and, in particular, to what extent the perturbations induced upstream by large concentrations of vorticity found downstream are instrumental in hastening or retarding the subharmonic instability that leads to the formation of these large structures. The calculations suggest that this elliptic influence, or the feedback, in a mixing layer is relatively small, at least for small velocity ratios.


Fluids ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Helena Vitoshkin ◽  
Alexander Gelfgat

A non-modal transient disturbances growth in a stably stratified mixing layer flow is studied numerically. The model accounts for a density gradient within a shear region, implying a heavier layer at the bottom. Numerical analysis of non-modal stability is followed by a full three-dimensional direct numerical simulation (DNS) with the optimally perturbed base flow. It is found that the transient growth of two-dimensional disturbances diminishes with the strengthening of stratification, while three-dimensional disturbances cause significant non-modal growth, even for a strong, stable stratification. This non-modal growth is governed mainly by the Holmboe modes and does not necessarily weaken with the increase of the Richardson number. The optimal perturbation consists of two waves traveling in opposite directions. Compared to the two-dimensional transient growth, the three-dimensional growth is found to be larger, taking place at shorter times. The non-modal growth is observed in linearly stable regimes and, in slightly linearly supercritical regimes, is steeper than that defined by the most unstable eigenmode. The DNS analysis confirms the presence of the structures determined by the transient growth analysis.


1978 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Monteith

SUMMARYFigures for maximum crop growth rates, reviewed by Gifford (1974), suggest that the productivity of C3 and C4 species is almost indistinguishable. However, close inspection of these figures at source and correspondence with several authors revealed a number of errors. When all unreliable figures were discarded, the maximum growth rate for C3 stands fell in the range 34–39 g m−2 d−1 compared with 50–54 g m−2 d−1 for C4 stands. Maximum growth rates averaged over the whole growing season showed a similar difference: 13 g m−2 d−1 for C3 and 22 g m−2 d−1 for C4. These figures correspond to photosynthetic efficiencies of approximately 1·4 and 2·0%.


1995 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 57-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Churilov ◽  
I. G. Shukhman

We consider the nonlinear spatial evolution in the streamwise direction of slightly three-dimensional disturbances in the form of oblique travelling waves (with spanwise wavenumber kz much less than the streamwise one kx) in a mixing layer vx = u(y) at large Reynolds numbers. A study is made of the transition (with the growth of amplitude) to the regime of a nonlinear critical layer (CL) from regimes of a viscous CL and an unsteady CL, which we have investigated earlier (Churilov & Shukhman 1994). We have found a new type of transition to the nonlinear CL regime that has no analogy in the two-dimensional case, namely the transition from a stage of ‘explosive’ development. A nonlinear evolution equation is obtained which describes the development of disturbances in a regime of a quasi-steady nonlinear CL. We show that unlike the two-dimensional case there are two stages of disturbance growth after transition. In the first stage (immediately after transition) the amplitude A increases as x. Later, at the second stage, the ‘classical’ law A ∼ x2/3 is reached, which is usual for two-dimensional disturbances. It is demonstrated that with the growth of kz the region of three-dimensional behaviour is expanded, in particular the amplitude threshold of transition to the nonlinear CL regime from a stage of ‘explosive’ development rises and therefore in the ‘strongly three-dimensional’ limit kz = O(kx) such a transition cannot be realized in the framework of weakly nonlinear theory.


1997 ◽  
Vol 483 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Ustin ◽  
C. Long ◽  
L. Lauhon ◽  
W. Ho

AbstractCubic SiC films have been grown on Si(001) and Si(111) substrates at temperatures between 600 °C and 900 °C with a single supersonic molecular beam source. Methylsilane (H3SiCH3) was used as the sole precursor with hydrogen and nitrogen as seeding gases. Optical reflectance was used to monitor in situ growth rate and macroscopic roughness. The growth rate of SiC was found to depend strongly on substrate orientation, methylsilane kinetic energy, and growth temperature. Growth rates were 1.5 to 2 times greater on Si(111) than on Si(001). The maximum growth rates achieved were 0.63 μm/hr on Si(111) and 0.375μm/hr on Si(001). Transmission electron diffraction (TED) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for structural characterization. In-plane azimuthal (ø-) scans show that films on Si(001) have the correct 4-fold symmetry and that films on Si(111) have a 6-fold symmetry. The 6-fold symmetry indicates that stacking has occurred in two different sequences and double positioning boundaries have been formed. The minimum rocking curve width for SiC on Si(001) and Si(111) is 1.2°. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) absorption was performed to discern the chemical bonding. Cross Sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy (XTEM) was used to image the SiC/Si interface.


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