RANS modeling of high-speed aerodynamic flow transition with consideration of stability theory

One of the effective approaches to simulate laminar-turbulent transition flows is based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. In this review article, the development of such approach is introduced in three categories: the low-Reynolds number turbulence models, the correlation-based transition models, and the recently proposed models based on local variables. A summary is then presented of physical insights gained from both experiments and stability analyses for high-speed transitional flows. Finally, the role of stability analysis in RANS environment, including the early attempts and new models accommodating the flow instability modes, is discussed in detail.