Extension of the pse code nolot for transition analysis in rotating reference frames

Abstract

In this paper, spatial linear stability analyses are performed on three flow configurations where rotational effects are present. The first two configurations are the two-dimensional flows along a flat plate and along a curved plate, both with a rotation vector along the spanwise direction. The third configuration is the three-dimensional flow over a rotating disk with and without axial inflow. These flows are used as a verification of the extension of the stability analysis code NOLOT to rotating frames. For all these three flows, a perfect matching is observed in comparison with results from the literature for the neutral curves and the eigenfunctions. The present results show that rotation has a considerable effect on the stability of boundary layers. Depending on the intensity and orientation of the rotation vector, stabilization or destabilization of the boundary layer is observed.