Calculation of large Reynolds number two-dimensional flow using discrete vortices with random walk

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · J. Comput. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9991(77)90069-9· OSTI ID:7212718

Milinazzo, F; Saffman, P G

The numerical calculation of two-dimensional rotational flow at large Reynolds number is considered. The method of replacing a continuous distribution of vorticity by a finite number, N, of discrete vortices is examined, where the vortices move under their mutually induced velocities plus a random component to simulate effects of viscosity. The accuracy of the method is studied by comparison with the exact solution for the decay of a circular vortex. It is found, and analytical arguments are produced in support, that the quantitative error is significant unless N is large compared with a characteristic Reynolds number. The mutually induced velocities are calculated by both direct summation and by the ''cloud in cell'' technique. The latter method is found to produce comparable error and to be much faster.

• Research Organization: Department of Applied Mathematics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
• OSTI ID: 7212718
• Journal Information: J. Comput. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Comput. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 23:4; ISSN JCTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640410* -- Fluid Physics-- General Fluid Dynamics
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ACCURACY
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
FLUID FLOW
INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW
MOTION
RANDOMNESS
REYNOLDS NUMBER
ROTATION
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VISCOUS FLOW
VORTICES