The previously observed spatial evolution of the two-dimensional turbulent flow from a source on the vertical wall of a shallow layer of rapidly rotating fluid is strikingly different from the non-rotating three-dimensional counterpart, insofar as the instability eddies generated in the former case cause the flow to separate completely from the wall at a finite downstream distance. In seeking an explanation of this, we first compute the temporal evolution of two-dimensional finite-amplitude waves on an unstable laminar jet using a finite difference calculation at large Reynolds number. This yields a dipolar vorticity pattern which propagates normal to the wall, while leaving some of the near-wall vorticity (negative) of the basic flow behind. The residual far-field eddy therefore contains a net positive circulation and this property is incorporated in a heuristic point-vortex model of the spatial evolution of the instability eddies observed in a laboratory experiment of a flow emerging from a source on a vertical wall in a rotating tank. The model parameterizes the effect of Ekman bottom friction in decreasing the circulation of eddies which are periodically emitted from the source flow on the wall. Further downstream, the point vortices of the model merge and separate abruptly from the wall; the statistics suggest that the downstream separation distance scales with the Ekman spin-up time (inversely proportional to the square root of the Coriolis parameter f) and with the mean source velocity. When the latter is small and f is large, qualitative support is obtained from laboratory experiments.

Linear stability of wall-bounded shear layers modified by distributed suction has been considered. Wall suction was introduced in order to simulate distributed surface roughness. In all cases studied, i.e. Poiseuille and Couette flows and Blasius boundary layer, wall suction was able to induce a new type of instability characterized by the appearance of streamwise vortices. Results of calculations show that a linear model of suction-induced flow modifications provides a sufficiently accurate representation of the basic state. The effects of an arbitrary suction distribution can, therefore, be assessed by decomposing this distribution into Fourier series and carrying out stability analysis on a mode-by-mode basis, i.e. once and for ever.

This paper considers the stability of the one-dimensional boundary layer generated by sudden heating of an infinite vertical wall. A quasi-steady approximation is used to analyse the asymptotic form of the lower branch of the neutral curve, corresponding to disturbances of wavelength much greater than the boundary-layer width. This leads to predictions of the critical wavenumber for neutral stability and the maximum phase speed of the travelling waves. Results are obtained for a range of Prandtl numbers and are compared with solutions of the full stability equations and with numerical simulations and experimental observations of cavity flows driven by sudden heating of the sidewalls.

Direct numerical simulations of heavy particles suspended in a turbulent fluid are performed to study the rate of inter-particle collisions as a function of the turbulence parameters and particle properties. The particle volume fractions are kept small (∼10−4) so that the system is well within the dilute limit. The fluid velocities are updated using a pseudo-spectral algorithm while the particle forces are approximated by Stokes drag. One unique aspect of the present simulations is that the particles have finite volumes (as opposed to point masses) and therefore particle collisions must be accounted for. The collision frequency is monitored over several eddy turnover times. It is found that particles with small Stokes numbers behave similarly to the prediction of Saffman & Turner (1956). On the other hand, particles with very large Stokes numbers have collision frequencies similar to kinetic theory (Abrahamson 1975). For intermediate Stokes numbers, the behaviour is complicated by two effects: (i) particles tend to collect in regions of low vorticity (high strain) due to a centrifugal effect (preferential concentration); (ii) particle pairs are less strongly correlated with each other, resulting in an increase in their relative velocity. Both effects tend to increase collision rates, however the scalings of the two effects are different, leading to the observed complex behaviour. An explanation for the entire range of Stokes numbers can be found by considering the relationship between the collision frequency and two statistical properties of the particle phase: the radial distribution function and the relative velocity probability density function. Statistical analysis of the data, in the context of this relationship, confirms the relationship and provides a quantitative description of how preferential concentration and particle decorrelation ultimately affect the collision frequency.

An experimental study of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in the strongly turbulent regime is presented. We report results obtained at low Prandtl number (in mercury, Pr = 0.025), covering a range of Rayleigh numbers 5 × 106 < Ra < 5 × 109, and compare them with results at Pr∼1. The convective chamber consists of a cylindrical cell of aspect ratio 1.

Heat flux measurements indicate a regime with Nusselt number increasing as Ra0.26, close to the 2/7 power observed at Pr∼1, but with a smaller prefactor, which contradicts recent theoretical predictions. A transition to a new turbulent regime is suggested for Ra ≃ 2 × 109, with significant increase of the Nusselt number. The formation of a large convective cell in the bulk is revealed by its thermal signature on the bottom and top plates. One frequency of the temperature oscillation is related to the velocity of this convective cell. We then obtain the typical temperature and velocity in the bulk versus the Rayleigh number, and compare them with similar results known for Pr∼1.

We review two recent theoretical models, namely the mixing zone model of Castaing et al. (1989), and a model of the turbulent boundary layer by Shraiman & Siggia (1990). We discuss how these models fail at low Prandtl number, and propose modifications for this case. Specific scaling laws for fluids at low Prandtl number are then obtained, providing an interpretation of our experimental results in mercury, as well as extrapolations for other liquid metals.

A model for second-harmonic resonance between two gravity–capillary waves is derived, for the case where weak wind and laminar viscosity are of comparable importance. It is revealed that there exist two threshold wind speeds. For winds weaker than the lower threshold, waves are damped. For winds stronger than the upper threshold, the wave energy becomes unbounded and the spectrum cannot be confined to two resonating harmonics. In the intermediate range there exist steady progressive combination waves of the first and second harmonics. These are Wilton's ripples in equilibrium with wind input and viscous dissipation, and are probably physically observable.

Electrohydrodynamically (EHD) driven capillary jets are analysed in this work in the parametrical limit of negligible charge relaxation effects, i.e. when the electric relaxation time of the liquid is small compared to the hydrodynamic times. This regime can be found in the electrospraying of liquids when Taylor's charged capillary jets are formed in a steady regime. A quasi-one-dimensional EHD model comprising temporal balance equations of mass, momentum, charge, the capillary balance across the surface, and the inner and outer electric fields equations is presented. The steady forms of the temporal equations take into account surface charge convection as well as Ohmic bulk conduction, inner and outer electric field equations, momentum and pressure balances. Other existing models are also compared. The propagation speed of surface disturbances is obtained using classical techniques. It is shown here that, in contrast with previous models, surface charge convection provokes a difference between the upstream and the downstream wave speed values, the upstream wave speed, to some extent, being delayed. Subcritical, supercritical and convectively unstable regions are then identified. The supercritical nature of the microjets emitted from Taylor's cones is highlighted, and the point where the jet switches from a stable to a convectively unstable regime (i.e. where the propagation speed of perturbations become zero) is identified. The electric current carried by those jets is an eigenvalue of the problem, almost independent of the boundary conditions downstream, in an analogous way to the gas flow in convergent–divergent nozzles exiting into very low pressure. The EHD model is applied to an experiment and the relevant physical quantities of the phenomenon are obtained. The EHD hypotheses of the model are then checked and confirmed within the limits of the one-dimensional assumptions.

We calculate the force on a periodic array of spheres in a viscous flow at small Reynolds number and for small volume fraction. This generalizes the known results for the force on a periodic array due to Stokes flow (zero Reynolds number) and the Oseen correction to the Stokes formula for the force on a single sphere (zero volume fraction). We use a generalization of Hasimoto's approach that is based on an analysis of periodic Green's functions. We compare our results to the phenomenological ones of Kaneda for viscous flow past a random array of spheres.

The linear stability of a thin liquid layer bounded from above by a free surface and from below by an oscillating plate is investigated for disturbances of arbitrary wavenumbers, a range of imposed frequencies and selective physical parameters. The imposed motion of the lower wall occurs in its own plane and is unidirectional and time-periodic. Long-wave instabilities occur only over certain bandwidths of the imposed frequency, as determined by a long-wavelength expansion. A fully numerical method based on Floquet theory is used to investigate solutions with arbitrary wavenumbers, and a new free-surface instability is found that has a finite preferred wavelength. This instability occurs continuously once the imposed frequency exceeds a certain threshold. The neutral curves of this new finite-wavelength instability appear significantly more complex than those for long waves. In a certain parameter regime, folds occur in the finite-wavelength stability limit, giving rise to isolated unstable regions. Only synchronous solutions are found, i.e. subharmonic solutions have not been detected. In Appendix A, we provide an argument for the non-existence of subharmonic solutions.

In this paper we consider the boundary layer that forms on the sloping walls of a rotating container (notably a conical container), filled with a stratified fluid, when flow conditions are changed abruptly from some initial (uniform) state. The structure of the solution valid away from the cone apex is derived, and it is shown that a similarity-type solution is appropriate. This system, which is inherently nonlinear in nature, is solved numerically for several flow regimes, and the results reveal a number of interesting and diverse features.

In one case, a steady state is attained at large times inside the boundary layer. In a second case, a finite-time singularity occurs, which is fully analysed. A third scenario involves a double boundary-layer structure developing at large times, most significantly including an outer region that grows in thickness as the square-root of time.

We also consider directly the nonlinear fully steady solutions to the problem, and map out in parameter space the likely ultimate flow behaviour. Intriguingly, we find cases where, when the rotation rate of the container is equal to that of the main body of the fluid, an alternative nonlinear state is preferred, rather than the trivial (uniform) solution.

Finally, utilizing Laplace transforms, we re-investigate the linear initial-value problem for small differential spin-up studied by MacCready & Rhines (1991), recovering the growing-layer solution they found. However, in contrast to earlier work, we find a critical value of the buoyancy parameter beyond which the solution grows exponentially in time, consistent with our nonlinear results.

A computational approach to the prediction of jet mixing noise is described. It is based on Lighthill's analogy, used together with a semi-deterministic modelling of turbulence (SDM), where only the large-scale coherent motion is evaluated. The features of SDM are briefly illustrated in the case of shear layers, showing that suitable descriptions of the mean flow and of the large-scale fluctuations are obtained. Aerodynamic calculations of two cold fully expanded plane jets at Mach numbers 0.50 and 1.33 are then carried out. The numerical implementation of Lighthill's analogy is described and different integral formulations are compared for the two jets. It is shown that the one expressed in a space–time conjugate (κ, ω)-plane is particularly convenient and allows a simple geometrical interpretation of the computations. Acoustic results obtained with this formulation are compared to relevant experimental data. It is concluded that the radiation of subsonic jets cannot be explained only by the contribution of the turbulent coherent motion. In this case, directivity effects are well recovered but the acoustic spectra are too narrow and limited to the low-frequency range. In contrast at Mach number 1.33, especially in the forward quadrant, results are satisfactory, showing that coherent structures indeed provide the main source of supersonic jet mixing noise.

This paper deals with the wave pattern and wave resistance of a slender ship moving steadily at supercritical speed in a shallow water channel. Using, successively, linear and nonlinear shallow-water wave theory it is demonstrated that, if the hull form is adapted to speed and channel geometry according to certain rules, the ship waves can be made to form a localized pattern around the ship that moves at the same speed as the ship and at the same time the associated wave resistance can be made to vanish. In the nonlinear case, the zero-wave-resistance ship hull is derived from a KP equation solution of the oblique interaction of two identical solitons. This astonishing phenomenon may be called shallow-channel superconductivity.

We propose a framework for interpreting the formation, evolution, and spatial persistence of ribbing in coating processes, and present companion ‘quantifying’ parallel spectral element simulations of fully nonlinear unsteady three-dimensional free-surface symmetric forward-roll film-coating fluid flows. The framework couples, by means of a transition region, two well-understood phenomena: the ‘viscous fingering’ instability of a splitting meniscus; and the levelling of viscous films under the effect of surface tension. The transition-region length, Lt, is on the order of the coating film thickness, while the downstream extent of the levelling region – the distance over which ribs persist – Lt, depends on the fluid properties, the flow conditions, and the wavenumber content of the nonlinear meniscus rib profile. Numerical results are presented for the evolution of the coating flow from perturbed unstable two-dimensional steady states to three-dimensional saturated ribbed states for several representative supercritical capillary numbers, Ca, and spanwise periodicity lengths, b. Nonlinear state selection is briefly discussed.

The evolution of two-dimensional Tollmien–Schlichting waves propagating along a wall shear layer as it passes over a compliant panel of finite length is investigated by means of numerical simulation. It is shown that the interaction of such waves with the edges of the panel can lead to complex patterns of behaviour. The behaviour of the Tollmien–Schlichting waves in this situation, particularly the effect on their growth rate, is pertinent to the practical application of compliant walls for the delay of laminar–turbulent transition. If compliant panels could be made sufficiently short whilst retaining the capability to stabilize Tollmien–Schlichting waves, there is a good prospect that multiple-panel compliant walls could be used to maintain laminar flow at indefinitely high Reynolds numbers.

We consider a model problem whereby a section of a plane channel is replaced with a compliant panel. A growing Tollmien–Schlichting wave is then introduced into the plane, rigid-walled, channel flow upstream of the compliant panel. The results obtained are very encouraging from the viewpoint of laminar-flow control. They indicate that compliant panels as short as a single Tollmien–Schlichting wavelength can have a strong stabilizing effect. In some cases the passage of the Tollmien–Schlichting wave over the panel edges leads to the excitation of stable flow-induced surface waves. The presence of these additional waves does not appear to be associated with any adverse effect on the stability of the Tollmien–Schlichting waves. Except very near the panel edges the panel response and flow perturbation can be represented by a superposition of the Tollmien–Schlichting wave and two other eigenmodes of the coupled Orr–Sommerfeld/compliant-wall eigensystem.

The numerical scheme employed for the simulations is derived from a novel vorticity–velocity formulation of the linearized Navier–Stokes equations and uses a mixed finite-difference/spectral spatial discretization. This approach facilitated the development of a highly efficient solution procedure. Problems with numerical stability were overcome by combining the inertias of the compliant wall and fluid when imposing the boundary conditions. This allowed the interactively coupled fluid and wall motions to be computed without any prior restriction on the form taken by the disturbances.

A linearized perturbation about the Vialov–Nye fixed-span solution for a steady-state ice sheet yields a Sturm-Liouville problem. The numerical eigenvalue problem is solved and the resulting normal modes are used to compute Green's and influence functions for perturbations to the accumulation rate, the rate factor and for long-wavelength basal topography. The eigenvalue for the slowest mode is approximately the same as that predicted by the zero-dimensional theory. It is found that the sensitivity of the steady profile to accumulation is greatest in the central area of the ice sheet, while the sensitivity to rate factor is greatest near the margin. The antisymmetric perturbation provides information about the relaxation time for divide motion and spatial variation in the sensitivity of divide deviation from the ice-sheet centre to accumulation rate variations. The use of the method for model initialization is considered. Forcing deviations of 30% give relative errors in the perturbation of about 10%.