Nonlinear evolution of Klebanoff type second mode disturbances in supersonic flat-plate boundary layer

Studying the evolution of 3D disturbances is of crucial theoretical importance for understanding the transition process. The present study concerns the nonlinear evolution of second mode unstable disturbances in a supersonic boundary layer by the numerical simulation, and discusses the selectivity of 3D disturbances and possibility to transition. The results indicate that a Klebanoff type nonlinear interaction between 2D and 3D disturbances with the same frequency may amplify a band of 3D disturbances centered at a finite spanwise wavenumber. That is, certain 3D disturbances can be selectively and rapidly amplified by the unstable 2D disturbances, and certain small-scale 3D structures will appear.