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Insights into symmetric and asymmetric vortex mergers using the core growth model

2012; American Institute of Physics; Volume: 24; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1063/1.4730344

1527-2435

Fangxu Jing, Eva Kanso, Paul K. Newton,

Lattice Boltzmann Simulation Studies

We revisit the two vortex merger problem (symmetric and asymmetric) for the Navier-Stokes equations using the core growth model for vorticity evolution coupled with the passive particle field and an appropriately chosen time-dependent rotating reference frame. Using the combined tools of analyzing the topology of the streamline patterns along with the careful tracking of passive fields, we highlight the key features of the stages of evolution of vortex merger, pinpointing deficiencies in the low-dimensional model with respect to similar experimental/numerical studies. The model, however, reveals a far richer and delicate sequence of topological bifurcations than has previously been discussed in the literature for this problem, and, at the same time, points the way towards a method of improving the model.