Experimental and theoretical investigation of boundary-layer instability mechanisms on a swept leading edge at Mach 3.5

A brief outline of the experimental and theoretical investigation of boundary layer instability mechanisms on a swept leading edge at Mach 3.5 is presented. Transition is affected by wind tunnel noise only when roughness is present. Local bar-R sub * Reynolds number and k/eta sub * are useful correlation parameters for a wide range of free stream Mach numbers. Stability theory is in good agreement with the experimental cross flow vortex wavelength. These conclusions are briefly discussed.