Transition mechanisms in hypersonic wind-tunnel nozzles: a methodological approach using global linear stability analysis

Base-flow computations and stability analyses are performed for a hypersonic wind tunnel nozzle at a Mach number of 6. Isothermal and adiabatic wall boundary conditions are investigated, and moderate stagnation conditions are used to provide representative scenarios to study the transition in quiet hypersonic wind tunnel facilities. Under these conditions, the studied nozzle shows a small flow separation at the convergent inlet. Global stability analysis reveals that this recirculation bubble may trigger a classical three-dimensional stationary unstable global mode. Resolvent analysis reveals Görtler, first and second Mack modes affecting the divergent part of the nozzle, along with a Kelvin–Helmholtz instability induced by the bubble. The present study also highlights the key impact of perturbations located in the convergent inlet on the development of instabilities further downstream in the divergent outlet, helping to understand the need and efficacy of a suction lip upstream of the nozzle throat to mitigate instabilities in the divergent section. Detailed knowledge of all these mechanisms is essential for understanding flows in quiet hypersonic wind tunnel nozzles and, consequently, represents a key step towards the optimisation of such nozzles.