A general theory for two- and three-dimensional wall-mode instabilities in boundary layers over isotropic and anisotropic compliant walls

An asymptotic theory is developed for two- and three-dimensional disturbances growing in a two-dimensional boundary layer over a compliant wall. The theory exploits the multideck structure of the boundary layer to derive asymptotic approximations at a high Reynolds number for the perturbation wall pressure and viscous stresses. These quantities can be regarded as driving the wall and, accordingly, the equation(s) of motion for the wall is (are) used as the characteristic equation(s) for finding the eigenvalue(s). The main assumptions are that the amplitude of the disturbance is sufficiently small for linear theory to hold, the Reynolds number is large, the disturbance wavelength is long compared with the boundary-layer thickness, and the critical and viscous wall layers are well separated. The theory was developed to study the travelling-wave flutter instability discussed by Carpenter and Garrad, i.e., the Class B instability of Benjamin and Landahl. Under certain limiting processes both the upper-branch and conventional triple-deck scalings for the Tollmien-Schlichting instability can be obtained with the present approach. Accordingly, the theory also gives a reliable qualitative guide to the effect of anisotropic wall compliance on the Tollmien-Schlichting instability.

The theory is applied to various cases including two- and three-dimensional disturbances, developing in boundary layers over isotropic and anisotropic compliant walls. The disturbances can be treated as either temporally or spatially growing. Eigenvalues are very accurately predicted by means of the theory, especially near points of neutral stability. The computational requirements are trivial compared with those required for full numerical solution of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. For isotropic compliant walls the theory confirms the earlier result of Miles and Benjamin that the phase shift in the disturbance velocity across the critical layer plays a dominant role in destabilization of the Class B travelling-wave flutter through making irreversible energy transfer possible due to the work done by the fluctuating pressure at the wall. The theory elucidates the secondary role played by the phase shift occurring across the wall layer. Viscous effects are much more important for anisotropic compliant walls which admit substantial horizontal, as well as vertical, displacement. For these walls an important mechanism for irreversible energy transfer is the work done by fluctuating shear stress. This almost invariably has a stabilizing effect on the travelling-wave flutter. In addition there is a weaker effect arising from the effect of anisotropic wall compliance on the phase shift across the wall layer. This may be stabilizing or destabilizing.