The linear stability of an acceleration-skewed oscillatory Stokes layer

The linear stability of the family of flows generated by an acceleration-skewed oscillating planar wall is investigated using Floquet theory. Neutral stability curves and critical conditions for linear instability are determined for an extensive range of acceleration-skewed oscillating flows. Results indicate that acceleration skewness is destabilising and reduces the critical Reynolds number for the onset of linearly unstable behaviour. The structure of the eigenfunctions is discussed and solutions suggest that disturbances grow in the direction of highest acceleration.