Sudden expansion stability thresholds modified by lateral flows

Abstract: We study the flow in a symmetric three-dimensional confined sudden expansion with lateral inflow at Reynolds number below 300 and varying lateral-to-central flow rate ratio, using experiments, linear stability analysis, weakly nonlinear theory, and direct numerical simulations. Three distinct flow regimes are identified. Outside an intermediate band of lateral-to-central flow rate ratio, the flow undergoes a steady symmetry-breaking bifurcation above a critical Reynolds number, deflecting the central jet toward one side wall; weakly nonlinear analysis shows this bifurcation to be supercritical, excepting a very narrow parametric range. Within the intermediate band, no such critical Reynolds number exists and direct numerical simulations confirm that residual velocity asymmetries reflect the imposed geometric imperfections rather than intrinsic amplification. Fluctuations observed experimentally in the intermediate band of lateral-to-central flow rate ratio remain unexplained and warrant further investigation.