Prediction of turbulent transition in boundary layers using the turbulent potential model

A turbulent potential model is applied to predict the transition in boundary flows. Without assuming any constitutive relation between the turbulence and mean flow variables, this model has the ability to accurately predict strong non-equilibrium flows, but the computation cost for this is only comparable to two equation models and so is the model complexity. Model predictions for a number of transitional flows are presented, which include: bypass transition and natural transition flat plate occurring in Blasius boundary flows with a series of free-stream turbulence intensities, effects of pressure gradients, relaminarization in channel flow and the sensitivity of natural transition to acoustic level. The results are compared to experimental data and other model predictions whenever possible. PACS numbers: 47.27.Cn, 47.27.Eq