Tables of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for plane Poiseuille flows

Abstract

In the report the authors present a numerical technique for computing the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for infinitesimal disturbances in plane Poiseuille flows. For the case alpha = 1.0, Rsube = 6667 the eigenvalues, beta sub Nm, (n = 1,2,3,4 m = 1,2,...199) and eigenfunctions, phi sub nm(y), (n = 1,2,3,4 m = 1,2,...8) are presented in tabular and graphical form. In addition the function, chi sub nm(y), which is orthogonal to phi sub nm(y), over the interval -1 or - y or - plus or minus 1 is tabulated. In a previous report (Gawain and Clark)1971) it was shown that these eigenfunctions can be extremely useful in describing certain aspects of the nonlinear mechanics of wave disturbances in plane Poiseuille flows. It is hoped that the present report will serve both as a complement to the previously mentioned report and as a useful reference for similar future investigations. (Author)