A novel laminar flow control based on generation of spanwise mean velocity gradients (SVG) in a flat plate boundary layer is investigated where disturbances of different types are introduced in the wall-bounded shear layer. The experimental investigations are aimed at; (i) generating stable and steady streamwise streaks in the boundary layer which set up spanwise gradients in the mean flow, and (ii) attenuating disturbance energy growth in the streaky boundary layers and hence delaying the onset of turbulence transition. The streamwise streaks generated by four different methods are investigated, which are spanwise arrays of triangular/rectangular miniature vortex generators (MVGs) and roughness elements, non-linear pair of oblique waves, and spanwise-periodic finite discrete suction. For all the investigated methods the boundary layer is modulated into regions of high- and low speed streaks through formation of pairs of counter-rotating streamwise vortices. For the streaky boundary layers generated by the MVGs a parameter study on a wide range of MVG configurations is performed in order to investigate the transient growth of the streaks. A general scaling of the streak amplitudes is found based on empiricism where an integral amplitude definition is proposed for the streaks. The disturbances are introduced as single- and broad band frequency twodimensional Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) waves, and three-dimensional single and a pair of oblique waves. In an attempt to obtain a more realistic configuration compared to previous investigations the disturbances are introduced upstream of the location were streaks are generated. It is shown that the SVG method is efficient in attenuating the growth of disturbance amplitudes in the linear regime for a wide range of frequencies although the disturbances have an initial amplitude response to the generation of the streaks. The attenuation rate of the disturbance amplitude is found to be optimized for an integral streak amplitude of 30% of the free-stream velocity which takes into account the periodic wavelength of the streaky base flow. The stabilizing effect of the streamwise streaks can be extended to the nonlinear regime of disturbances which in turn results in transition to turbulence delay. This results in significant drag reduction when comparing the skin friction coefficient of a laminar- to a turbulent boundary layer. It is also shown that consecutive turbulence transition delay can be obtained by reinforcing the streaky boundary layer in the streamwise direction. For the streaky boundary layer generated by pair of oblique waves their forcing frequency sets the upper limit for the frequency of disturbances beyond which the control fails. / <p>QC 20160208</p>

The main aim of this thesis was to understand the mechanism behind the classical transition scenario inside the boundary layer over an airfoil and eventually attempting to control this transition utilizing passive devices for transition delay. The initial objective of analyzing the transition phenomenon based on TS wave disturbance growth was conducted at 90 Hz using LDV and CTA measurement techniques at two different angles of attack. This was combined with the studies performed on two other frequencies of 100 and 110 Hz, in order to witness its impact on the neutral stability curve behavior. The challenges faced in the next phase of the thesis while trying to control the transition location, was to understand and encompass the effect of adverse pressure gradient before setting up the passive control devices, which in this case was miniature vortex generators. Consequently, several attempts were made to optimize the parameters of the miniature vortex generators depending upon the streak strength and stability. Finally, for 90 Hz a configuration of miniature vortex generators have been found to successfully stabilize the TS wave disturbances below a certain forcing amplitude, which also led to transition delay.