Bypass transition to turbulence and research Desiderata

Bypass transitions are seldom mentioned in texts or meetings on instability and transition to wall turbulence. The nature of a number of bypass transitions is illustrated by example. Until this characteristics is truly understood predicting transition on the basis of theory or statistically inadequate correlations (as they all are) entails risks that should be considered in justifying any design involving transition. A historical overview of bypass transition identified on blunt bodies is given.