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Numerical study of the primary instability in a separated boundary layer transition under elevated free-stream turbulence

A breakthrough has been made in understanding the transition mechanism of a separated boundary layer under elevated free-stream turbulence. It is shown for the first time when the free-stream turbulence intensity level is above 5% the instability in the separated boundary layer transition process is totally different, i.e., the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, which initiates the transition process, is bypassed completely. This will not only have a major influence on the separated boundary layer transition research field but also potentially have a great impact on the turbomachinery industry as a consequence of improved understanding in the transition mechanism.