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

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