Entropy 2004, 6(4), 375-387; doi:10.3390/e6040375
Article

On The Use of Entropy to Predict Boundary Layer Stability

Ed J. Walsh 1,* email, Mark R.D. Davies 1  and Donald M. McEligot 2,3
1 Stokes Research Institute, Department of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering, University of Limerick, Plassey Technological Park, Limerick, Ireland 2 University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA 3 Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, P.O.Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3885, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 3 March 2004 / Accepted: 25 August 2004 / Published: 26 August 2004
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Abstract: Boundary layer transition is a critical parameter in the design of fluid flow systems. This situation is due to the dramatic change in both entropy production and heat transfer that accompanies it. It is well recognized that many parameters affect the location of transition onset, however, no models exist which unify all these parameters. This paper presents a new hypothesis that the driving force of boundary layer transition onset is the entropy generation rate alone, with all other parameters being functions of this higher order quantity. At present this hypothesis is speculative, but encouraging since good compatibility is found with more established transition models.
Keywords: entropy; transition onset; boundary layer stability

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MDPI and ACS Style

Walsh, E.J.; Davies, M.R.; McEligot, D.M. On The Use of Entropy to Predict Boundary Layer Stability. Entropy 2004, 6, 375-387.

AMA Style

Walsh EJ, Davies MR, McEligot DM. On The Use of Entropy to Predict Boundary Layer Stability. Entropy. 2004; 6(4):375-387.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Walsh, Ed J.; Davies, Mark R.; McEligot, Donald M. 2004. "On The Use of Entropy to Predict Boundary Layer Stability." Entropy 6, no. 4: 375-387.

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