The self-excited global instability mechanisms existing in flat-plate laminar separation bubbles are studied here, in order to shed light on the causes of unsteadiness and three-dimensionality of unforced, nominally two-dimensional separated flows. The presence of two known linear global mechanisms, namely an oscillator behaviour driven by local regions of absolute inflectional instability and a centrifugal instability giving rise to a steady three-dimensionalization of the bubble, is studied in a series of model separation bubbles. These results indicate that absolute instability, and consequently a global oscillator behaviour, does not exist for two-dimensional bubbles with a peak reversed-flow velocity below $12\hspace{0.167em} \% $ of the free-stream velocity. However, the three-dimensional instability becomes active for recirculation levels as low as ${u}_{rev} \approx 7\hspace{0.167em} \% $ . These findings suggest a route to the three-dimensionality and unsteadiness observed in experiments and simulations substantially different from that usually found in the literature of laminar separation bubbles, in which two-dimensional vortex shedding is followed by three-dimensionalization.

The self-excited instabilities acting on laminar separation bubbles in the absence of external forcing are studied by means of linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulation. Previous studies demonstrated the existence of a three-dimensional modal instability, that becomes active for bubbles with peak reversed flow of approximately required for the absolute instability of Kelvin–Helmholtz waves. Direct numerical simulations are used to describe the nonlinear evolution of the primary instability, which is found to correspond to a supercritical pitchfork bifurcation and results in fully three-dimensional flows with spanwise inhomogeneity of finite amplitude. An extension of the classic weakly non-parallel analysis is then applied to the bifurcated flows, that have a strong dependence on the cross-stream planes and a mild dependence on the streamwise direction. The spanwise distortion of the separated flow induced by the primary instability is found to strongly destabilize the Kelvin–Helmholtz waves, leading to their absolute instability and the appearance of a global oscillator-type instability. This sequence of instabilities triggers the laminar–turbulent transition without requiring external disturbances or actuation. The characteristic frequency and streamwise and spanwise wavelengths of the self-excited instability are in good agreement with those reported for low-turbulence wind-tunnel experiments without explicit forcing. This indicates that the inherent dynamics described by the self-excited instability can also be relevant when external disturbances are present.

An extension of the classical parabolized stability equations to flows strongly dependent on the two cross-stream spatial directions and weakly dependent on the streamwise one is applied to model the large-scale structures present in twin-jet configurations. The existence of these unsteady flow structures, usually referred to as wavepackets, has been demonstrated in the literature for both subsonic and supersonic round jets, along with their relation to the generation of highly directional noise emitted in the aft direction. The present study considers twin-jet configurations with different separations at high Reynolds number and subsonic conditions. The existing instability modes for the twin-jet mean flow, their dependence on the separation of the two jets, and the interaction between the wavepackets originating from the two jets is investigated here. Arising from the axisymmetric mode for single round jets, two dominant modes are found for twin jets: a varicose one, relatively insensitive to jets' proximity, but likely to be efficient in radiating noise; a sinuous one, whose amplification is strongly dependent on the jets' distance, and which can be expected to produce weaker acoustic signatures.

This study examined micronized polyurethane residues as a reinforcing filler in elastomeric composites made from natural rubber (NR) and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR). Due to growing environmental concerns, this research aimed to find sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. The results indicated that adding micronized polyurethane improved the mechanical properties of the composites, reinforcing the polymer matrix and increasing the cross-link density as a barrier against solvents. The composites met the requirements for industrial applications, though; at 40 phr of polyurethane filler, material deformation was reduced, indicating saturation. FTIR analysis confirmed the homogeneity of the materials without chemical reactions, while electron microscopy revealed an increase in the number of particles and irregularities with the filler. The composite with 10 phr showed a lower volume loss in abrasion resistance, meeting the standards for soles. The composite with 30 phr of polyurethane achieved the best results without the filler’s saturation and met the footwear industry’s requirements. The results show the potential for sustainable practices in industry using this elastomeric blend.