Application of Constructal Theory to Prediction of Boundary Layer Transition Onset

Accurate transition onset modeling is a fundamental part of modern turbomachinery designs, where bypass transition is the dominant mechanism of transition to turbulence. Despite this situation a range of transition onset models exist primarily based upon both integral and local parameters within the boundary layer. All such transition models have empirical origins. To date the relationships between such models has not been forthcoming and hence lack of physical understanding of the transition process is evident. This paper details a new approach to transition modeling and provides a theoretically based approach to transition onset prediction by invoking a single principle developed within constructal theory. We not only present a new model but also demonstrate the equivalence between existing models by implementing the same theory. Such understanding of the transition onset problem may provide a new perspective towards more theoretically based transition onset models rather than empirical ones, although much work remains to be done in understanding the receptivity mechanisms within a laminar boundary layer.