Improved vortex methods for three-dimensional flowsRobust numerical methods are developed for three-dimensional incompressible vortical flows, using Lagrangian vortex elements. A successful scheme must be able to handle regions of intense vortex stretching and vortex reconnection with reasonable accuracy (without diverging). Here, consideration is given to vortex particles, also commonly called vortons or vortex sticks. The following issues are discussed: (1) use of delta-function elements and weak solutions of the vorticity equation; (2) use of smoothed elements and the choice of the smoothing function; (3) representation of viscous effects and the redistribution of element strength; and (4) conservation laws (are they satisfied?). The various proposed schemes have been tested on flows involving a strong interaction between two vortex rings.
Document ID
19900027923
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Winckelmans, G. (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Leonard, A. (California Institute of Technology Pasadena, United States)