AbstractWe consider the nonlinear evolution of a disturbance to a mixing layer, with the base profile given by u0(y) = tanh3y rather than the more usual tanh y, so that the first two derivatives of u0 vanish at y = 0. This flow admits three neutral modes, each of which is singular at the critical layer. Using a non-equilibrium nonlinear critical layer analysis, equations governing the evolution of the disturbance are derived and discussed. We find that the disturbance cannot exist on a linear basis, but that nonlinear effects inside the critical layer do permit the disturbance to exist. We also present results of a direct numerical simulation of this flow and briefly discuss the connection between the theory and the simulation.
Mass and Momentum Transport Phenomena at Vortex Pairing in a Mixing Layer. Analysis using Direct Numerical Simulation.