AIAA-2010-4285-416[1].pdf (479.98 kB)
Download fileTransition mechanisms within the boundary-layer flow over slender vs. broad rotating cones
conference contribution
posted on 2010-12-13, 15:20 authored by Z. Hussain, Stephen J. Garrett, S.O. StephenWe describe progress in classifying the convective instability characteristics of the boundarylayer
flow over the family of rotating cones. Existing experimental and theoretical studies
are discussed which lead to the clear hypothesis of a centrifugal instability mode that dominates
over slender cones and manifests as Görtler-type spiral vortices. Although a formulation
consistent with the classic rotating-disk problem has been successful in predicting the
stability characteristics over broad cones, it is unable to identify such a centrifugal mode
as the half-angle is reduced. An alternative formulation is introduced and an asymptotic
analysis summarized which identifies such a centrifugal mode.