A NEW METHOD FOR PREDICTION OF STABILITY OF LAMINAR BOUNDARY LAYERS.

Abstract : A new method for predicting the stability of laminar boundary layers is described. The quasilinearization method is used to compute eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for the complete orr-summerfeld equation. Remarkable agreement is found between the computed shape of the Tollmien-Schlichting wave and the data of Schubauer and Skramstad. A computed neutral stability curve shows better agreement with the data of Schubauer than do the theoretical curves of Schlichting or Shen. The method is important because it can be used to study nonlinear effects which are believed to lead to turbulence. (Author)