Numerical study of three-dimensional vortex breakdown

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:7245662

Spall, R E

A numerical simulation of vortex breakdown using the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations was performed. Unlike previous studies, the numerical algorithm, formulated in terms of the velocity and vorticity, was not restricted to axisymmetric flows. Prototype vortices were parameterized in terms of their Reynolds number and Rossby number. Two cases were studied extensively. In one case, a vortex was imbedded in a uniform free stream. In the other case, the axial velocity of the free stream was decelerated in the streamwise direction. For both cases breakdown occurred when the Rossby number was below a critical value. Vortex lines, particle traces, and velocity vector projections of the resulting solutions have been developed. Contour plots of vorticity, velocity, and pressure are presented, and the streamwise variation of the rates of change of energy and enstrophy were examined. The computational results are compared with observations, in terms of flow structures and vortex breakdown. Previous numerical investigations are also discussed.

• Research Organization: Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7245662
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420400* -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
ALGORITHMS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
FLUID FLOW
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
MATHEMATICS
NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
SIMULATION
VORTEX FLOW