Growth-Rate Prediction for Low-Speed Variable-Density Spatially Developing Turbulent Planar Shear Layers: Status and Prospects

Progress in analysis of the growth rate of low-speed variable-density spatially developing turbulent planar shear layers is examined from the viewpoint of global trends across the relevant parameter space. Several approaches have been shown to agree with available measurements. Here, it is noted that comparable agreement is also obtained using a simple extension of the canonical Kelvin–Helmholtz linear stability theory. Beyond the range of the experimentally explored parameter space, available predictions disagree qualitatively as well as quantitatively. To a degree that is not generally recognized, this indicates that the governing parameter dependences and associated phenomenology are open questions. Further investigation needed to address these questions is discussed.