Interaction between Gortler vortices and two-dimensional Tollmien-Schlichting waves

The nonlinear interaction between Gortler vortices and two-dimensional Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves is studied with a spatial, nonparallel model based on the parabolized stability equations. The effect of the TS waves on the development of the vortices is accounted for, showing that TS wave amplitudes of the same order of magnitude as the vortices result in significant nonlinear interaction. The range of governing parameters that has been studied so far is extended and the main effects of Gortler number, spanwise wave number, and initial amplitudes are identified. The study shows that the relative growth rates and initial amplitudes are the two most significant parameters. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S1070-6631(00)02905-6].