Numerical simulations of turbulent spots in supersonic boundary layers: Effects of Mach number and wall temperature

► Effect of Mach number and wall temperature on turbulent spot growth is studied. ► Direct numerical simulations of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations are used. ► We observe stabilisation as Mach number increases or wall temperature decreases. ► Lateral growth is shown to occur by convection and destabilisation. ► Role played by lateral jets in spot growth is analysed.