Finite-amplitude neutral disturbances in plane Poiseuille flow

Abstract
Finite-amplitude disturbances in plane Poiseuille flow are studied by a method involving Fourier expansion with numerical solution of the resulting partial differential equations in the coefficient functions. A number of solutions are developed which extend to relatively long times so that asymptotic stability or instability can be established with a degree of confidence. The amplitude for neutral stability is established for a fixed wavenumber for two values of the Reynolds number. Details of the neutral velocity fluctuation are presented. These and earlier results are expressed in terms of the asymptotic amplitude and compared with results obtained by prior workers. The results indicate that the expansion methods used by prior workers may be valid only for amplitudes considerably smaller than 0·01.

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