Finite amplitude instability of second-order fluids in plane Poiseuille flow

Abstract
The hydrodynamic stability of plane Poiseuille flow of second—order fluids to finite amplitude disturbances is examined using the method of Stuart, and Watson as extended by Reynolds & Potter. For slightly non-Newtonian fluids subcritical instabilities are predicted. No supercritical equilibrium states are expected if the entire spectrum of disturbance wavelengths is present. Possible implications with respect to the Toms phenomenon are discussed.