A numerical method for solving the complete Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flows is introduced that is applicable for investigating three-dimensional transition phenomena in a spatially growing boundary layer. Results are discussed for a test case with small three-dimensional disturbances for which detailed comparison to linear stability theory is possible. The validity of our numerical model for investigating nonlinear transition phenomena is demonstrated by realistic spatial simulations of the experiments by Kachanov and Levchenko1 for a subharmonic resonance breakdown and of the experiments of Klebanoff et al.2 for a fundamental resonance breakdown.
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Fasel et al. (1990) studied this question.