Flow topology in compressible turbulent boundary layer

Abstract

The flow topologies of compressible turbulent boundary layers at Mach 2 are investigated by means of direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the compressible Navier–Stokes equations, and statistical analysis of the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor. We identify a preference for an unstable focus/compressing topology in the inner layer and an unstable node/saddle/saddle (UN/S/S) topology in the outer layer. The dissipation and dissipation production originate mainly from this UN/S/S topology. The enstrophy depends mainly on an unstable focus/stretching (UFS) topology, and the enstrophy production relies on a UN/S/S topology in the inner layer and on a UFS topology in the outer layer. The compressibility effect on the statistical properties of the topologies is investigated in terms of the ‘incompressible’, compressed and expanding regions. It is found that the locally compressed region tends to be more stable and the locally expanding region tends to be more dissipative. The compressibility is mainly related to unstable focus/compressing and stable focus/stretching topologies. Moreover, the features of the average dissipation, enstrophy, dissipation production and enstrophy production of the various topologies are clarified in the locally compressed and expanding regions.