Comparison between experiments and numerical simulations of three-dimensional plane wakes

The three-dimensional structure of a moderate Reynolds number (100) plane wake behind a flat plate subjected to periodic spanwise perturbations has been studied both experimentally and numerically. Comparisons between experimental interface visualizations and numerical calculations demonstrate that important features of the development of the three-dimensional instability can be reproduced by numerical, inviscid vortex dynamics. This suggests a promising way to analyze the physical processes involved in the initiation of the three-dimensional transition in wake flows.