The 2D second-mode is a potent instability in hypersonic boundary layers (HBLs). We study its linear and nonlinear evolution, followed by its role in transition and eventual breakdown of the HBL into a fully turbulent state. Linear stability theory (LST) is utilized to identify the second-mode wave through FS-synchronization, which is then recreated in linearly and nonlinearly forced 2D direct numerical simulations (DNSs). The nonlinear DNS shows saturation of the fundamental frequency, and the resulting superharmonics induce tightly braided ``rope-like patterns near the generalized inflection point (GIP). The instability exhibits a second region of growth constituted by the fundamental frequency, downstream of the primary envelope, which is absent in the linear scenario. Subsequent 3D DNS identifies this region to be crucial in amplifying oblique instabilities riding on the 2D second-mode ``rollers. This results in lambda vortices below the GIP, which are detached from the ``rollers in the inner boundary layer. Streamwise vortex-stretching results in a localized peak in length-scales inside the HBL, eventually forming haripin vortices. Spectral analyses track the transformation of harmonic peaks into a turbulent spectrum, and appearance of oblique modes at the fundamental frequency, which suggests that fundamental resonance is the most dominant mechanism of transition. Bispectrum reveals coupled nonlinear interactions between the fundamental and its superharmonics leading to spectral broadening, and traces of subharmonic resonance as well.
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