bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary instability in rotating-disk flow
Authors: Balachandar S. , Streett C. L. , Malik M. R.
Published: April 2006

Primary instability of the three-dimensional boundary layer on a rotating disk introduces periodic modulation of the mean flow in the form of stationary crossflow vortices. Here we study the stability of this modulated mean flow with respect to secondary disturbances. These secondary disturbances are found to have quite large growth rates compared to primary disturbances. Both fundamental and subharmonic resonance cases are considered and their corresponding results indicate that the growth rate and the frequency of the secondary instability are insensitive to the exact nature of the resonance condition. The threshold primary stationary crossflow vortex amplitude for secondary instability found in this three-dimensional incompressible boundary layer is significantly larger than that for a two-dimensional boundary layer which is subjected to Tollmien–Schlichting instability. The secondary instability results in a pair of travelling counter-rotating vortices, tilted up and oriented at an angle to the primary stationary crossflow vortices. The computed velocity signals and flow visualization, evaluated based on this secondary disturbance structure, are compared with experimental results.
Rapid distortion theory for homogeneous compressed turbulence with application to modelling
Authors: Durbin P. A. , Zeman O.
Published: April 2006

Compressible rapid distortion theory is used to examine pressure fluctuations and the pressure–dilatation correlation in a field of turbulence subjected to rapid homogeneous compression. It is shown how a one-dimensional compression produces large solenoidal pressure fluctuations. As the dimensionality of the compression increases, the magnitude of these fluctuations decreases — it vanishes for a spherically symmetric compression. By contrast the dilatational, or acoustic, pressure fluctuations depend mainly on the net volumetric compression, and are relatively insensitive to the dimensionality of the compression. These same comments apply to the pressure–dilatation correlation.

The pressure–dilatation correlation appears in the compressible turbulent kinetic energy equation and is significant in rapidly evolving flows; Reynolds stress closure models require that it be represented. The continuity equation provides a relation between pressure dilatation and the rate of change of pressure fluctuation variance. This relation is the basis for our RDT analysis. That analysis leads to a proposal for modelling the rapid contribution to pressure dilatation.
Buoyancy effects in vertical shear dispersion
Authors: Smith Ronald
Published: April 2006

Density gradients modify the flow and hence the shear dispersion of one miscible fluid in another. A solution procedure is given for calculating the effects of weak buoyancy for vertical laminar parallel shear flows. A particular extrapolation to large buoyancy gives an exactly solvable nonlinear diffusion equation. For the particular case of vertical plane Poiseuille flow explicit formulae are derived for the flow, for the nonlinear shear dispersion coefficient and for the onset of instability. The exactly solvable model gives reasonably accurate results for the buoyancy-modified shear dispersion over a range from half to one-and-a-half times the non-buoyant value.
A singularity in thermal boundary-layer flow on a horizontal surface
Authors: Daniels P. G.
Published: April 2006

A thermal boundary layer, in which the temperature and velocity fields are coupled by buoyancy, flows along a horizontal, insulated wall. For sufficiently low local Froude number the solution terminates in a singularity with rising skin friction and falling pressure. The structure of the singularity is obtained and the results are compared with numerical solutions of the horizontal boundary-layer equations. A novel feature of the analysis is that the powers of the streamwise coordinate involved in the structure of the singularity do not appear to be simple rational numbers and are determined from the solution of a pair of ordinary differential equations which govern the flow in an inner viscous region close to the wall. Modifications of the theory are noted for cases where either the temperature or a non-zero heat transfer are specified at the wall.
On the quadratic effect of random gravity waves on a vertical boundary
Authors: Sclavounos P. D.
Published: April 2006

The quadratic effect of random gravity waves in the vicinity of a reflecting boundary is studied. It is shown that in a stochastic wave environment, surface wave effects proportional to the square of the wave amplitude depend upon the third-order free-surface perturbation. Expressions are derived for the quadratic frequency spectrum of the hydrodynamic pressure in the fluid domain in unidirectional and standing waves reflected off a vertical wall. Computations of the spectrum reveal the importance of the effect contributed by the third-order solution, which is found to be at least of comparable magnitude to the corresponding effect obtained from the solution of the second-order problem.
The role of non-uniqueness in the development of vortex breakdown in tubes
Authors: Beran Philip S. , Culick Fred E. C.
Published: April 2006

Numerical solutions of viscous, swirling flows through circular pipes of constant radius and circular pipes with throats have been obtained. Solutions were computed for several values of vortex circulation, Reynolds number and throat/inlet area ratio, under the assumptions of steady flow, rotational symmetry and frictionless flow at the pipe wall. When the Reynolds number is sufficiently large, vortex breakdown occurs abruptly with increased circulation as a result of the existence of non-unique solutions. Solution paths for Reynolds numbers exceeding approximately 1000 are characterized by an ensemble of three inviscid flow types: columnar (for pipes of constant radius), soliton and wavetrain. Flows that are quasi-cylindrical and which do not exhibit vortex breakdown exist below a critical circulation, dependent on the Reynolds number and the throat/inlet area ratio. Wavetrain solutions are observed over a small range of circulation below the critical circulation, while above the critical value, wave solutions with large regions of reversed flow are found that are primarily solitary in nature. The quasi-cylindrical (QC) equations first fail near the critical value, in support of Hall's theory of vortex breakdown (1967). However, the QC equations are not found to be effective in predicting the spatial position of the breakdown structure.
A new computational method for the solution of flow problems of microstructured fluids. Part 1. Theory
Authors: Szeri Andrew J. , Leal L. Gary
Published: April 2006

The theoretical basis for a new computational method is presented for the solution of flow problems of microstructured fluids: examples include suspensions of rigid particles and polymeric liquids ranging from liquid crystals to concentrated solutions or melts of flexible chains. The method is based on a Lagrangian conservation statement for the distribution function of the conformation of the local structure, which can be derived from the conventional, Eulerian conservation statement and is exactly equivalent. The major difference, which is reflected in the numerical technique, is that the Lagrangian representation of the distribution function allows for computation of the Brownian contribution and of moments of distribution functions in ways that do not require explicit knowledge of the distribution function, and involve no approximation whatsoever. This suggests a new type of efficient, self-adaptive numerical scheme that is suitable for the solution of flow problems of microstructured fluids, in which macroscopic properties depend on the state of the microstructure.
The forced turbulent wall jet
Authors: Katz Y. , Horev E. , Wygnanski I.
Published: April 2006

The effects of external two-dimensional excitation on the plane turbulent wall jet were investigated experimentally and theoretically. Measurements of the streamwise component of velocity were made throughout the flow field for a variety of imposed frequencies and amplitudes. The present data were always compared to the results generated in the absence of external excitation. Two methods of forcing were used: one global, imposed on the entire jet by pressure fluctuations in the settling chamber and one local, imposed on the shear layer by a small flap attached to the outer nozzle lip. The fully developed wall jet was shown to be insensitive to the method of excitation. Furthermore, external excitation has no appreciable effect on the rate of spread of the jet nor on the decay of its maximum velocity. In fact the mean velocity distribution did not appear to be altered by the external excitation in any obvious manner. The flow near the surface, however, (i.e. for 0 < Y+ < 100) was profoundly different from the unforced flow, indicating a reduction in wall stress exceeding at times 30%. The production of turbulent energy near the surface was also reduced, lowering the intensities of the velocity fluctuations. External excitation enhanced the two-dimensionality and the periodicity of the coherent motion. Spectral analysis and flow visualization suggested that the large coherent structures in this flow might be identified with the most-amplified primary instability modes of the mean velocity profile. Detailed stability analysis confirmed this proposition though not at the same level of accuracy as it did in many free shear flows.
A spectral closure for premixed turbulent combustion in the flamelet regime
Authors: Peters N.
Published: April 2006

Premixed turbulent combustion in the flamelet regime is analysed on the basis of a field equation. This equation describes the instantaneous flame contour as an isoscalar surface of the scalar field G(x,t). The field equation contains the laminar burning velocity sL as velocity scale and its extension includes the effect of flame stretch involving the Markstein length [Lscr ] as a characteristic lengthscale of the order of the flame thickness. The scalar G(x,t) plays a similar role for premixed flamelet combustion as the mixture fraction Z(x,t) in the theory of non-premixed flamelet combustion.

Equations for the mean $\overline{G}$ and variance $\overline{G^{\prime 2}}$ are derived. Additional closure problems arise for the mean source terms in these equations. In order to understand the nature of these terms an ensemble of premixed flamelets with arbitrary initial conditions in constant-density homogeneous isotropic turbulence is considered. An equation for the two-point correlation $\overline{G^{\prime}({\boldmath x},t)G^{\prime}({\boldmath x}+{\boldmath r},t)}$ is derived. When this equation is transformed into spectral space, closure approximations based on the assumption of locality and on dimensional analysis are introduced. This leads to a linear equation for the scalar spectrum function Γ(k,t), which can be solved analytically. The solution Γ(k,t) is analysed by assuming a small-wavenumber cutoff at k0 = lT−1, where lT is the integral lengthscale of turbulence. There exists a $k^{-\frac{5}{3}}$ spectrum between lT and LG, where LG is the Gibson scale. At this scale turbulent fluctuations of the scalar field G(x,t) are kinematically restored by the smoothing effect of laminar flame propagation. A quantity called kinematic restoration ω is introduced, which plays a role similar to the scalar dissipation χ for diffusive scalars.

By calculating the appropriate moments of Γ(k,t), an algebraic relation between ω, $\omega,\overline{G^{\prime}({\boldmath x},t)^2}$, the integral lengthscale lT and the viscous dissipation ε is derived. Furthermore, the scalar dissipation χ[Lscr ], based on the Markstein diffusivity [Dscr ][Lscr ] = sL [Lscr ], and the scalar-strain co-variance Σ[Lscr ] are related to ω. Dimensional analysis, again, leads to a closure of the main source term in the equation for the mean scalar $\overline{G}$. For the case of plane normal and oblique turbulent flames the turbulent burning velocity sT and the flame shape is calculated. In the absence of flame stretch the linear relation sT ∼ u′ is recovered. The flame brush thickness is of the order of the integral lengthscale. In the case of a V-shaped flame its increase with downstream position is calculated.
Direct simulation of particle dispersion in a decaying isotropic turbulence
Authors: Elghobashi S. , Truesdell G. C.
Published: April 2006

Dispersion of solid particles in decaying isotropic turbulence is studied numerically. The three-dimensional, time-dependent velocity field of a homogeneous, non-stationary turbulence was computed using the method of direct numerical simulation (DNS). A numerical grid containing 963points was sufficient to resolve the turbulent motion at the Kolmogorov lengthscale for a range of microscale Reynolds numbers starting fromRλ= 25 and decaying toRλ= 16. The dispersion characteristics of three different solid particles (corn, copper and glass) injected in the flow, were obtained by integrating the complete equation of particle motion along the instantaneous trajectories of 223particles for each particle type, and then performing ensemble averaging. The three different particles are those used by Snyder & Lumley (1971), referred to throughout the paper as SL, in their pioneering wind-tunnel experiment. Good agreement was achieved between our DNS results and the measured time development of the mean-square displacement of the particles.

The simulation results also include the time development of the mean-square relative velocity of the particles, the Lagrangian velocity autocorrelation and the turbulent diffusivity of the particles and fluid points. The Lagrangian velocity frequency spectra of the particles and their surrounding fluid, as well as the time development of all the forces acting on one particle are also presented. In order to distinguish between the effects of inertia and gravity on the dispersion statistics we compare the results of simulations made with and without the buoyancy force included in the particle motion equation. A summary of the significant results is provided in §7 of the paper.

The main objective of the paper is to enhance the understanding of the physics of particle dispersion in a simple turbulent flow by examining the simulation results described above and answering the questions of how and why the dispersion statistics of a solid particle differ from those of its corresponding fluid point and surrounding fluid and what influences inertia and gravity have on these statistics.
Rigid particles suspended in time-dependent flows: irregular versus regular motion, disorder versus order
Authors: Szeri Andrew J. , Milliken W. J. , Leal L. Gary
Published: April 2006

An experimental and analytical investigation is conducted into the dynamics of small, non-spherical, rigid particles suspended in a flow that is time-dependent from the point of view of the particle, which may be moving. The particles are unaffected by Brownian forces. Of special interest in this study are flows that are time-periodic in the Lagrangian frame; this allows for the use of mathematical tools that have been developed for periodically forced differential equations, and for precise and well-characterized experiments. For some classes of periodic flows, it is shown that there exists a global periodic attractor for the orientation dynamics of particles that follow a given particle path, i.e. there is 1:1 phase locking of the orientation dynamics with the forcing. This is an important situation because it leads to a strong ordering of an ensemble of particles that follow the same particle path as the flow; such order has significant ramifications for stress and birefringence. In other classes of periodic flows, no such attractor exists; therefore, an ensemble of random initial orientations of the particles on a particle path will not converge and disorder is maintained. Experiments are performed using a computer-controlled four-roll mill to create well-characterized flows in which these various types of dynamical behaviour are realized.
On the evolution of a turbulent boundary layer induced by a three-dimensional roughness element
Authors: Klebanoff P. S. , Cleveland W. G. , Tidstrom K. D.
Published: April 2006

An experimental investigation is described which has as its objectives the extension of the technical data base pertaining to roughness-induced transition and the advancement of the understanding of the physical processes by which three-dimensional roughness elements induce transition from laminar to turbulent flow in boundary layers. The investigation was carried out primarily with single hemispherical roughness elements surface mounted in a well-characterized zero-pressure-gradient laminar boundary layer on a flat plate. The critical roughness Reynolds number at which turbulence is regarded as originating at the roughness was determined for the roughness elements herein considered and evaluated in the context of data existing in the literature. The effect of a steady and oscillatory free-stream velocity on eddy shedding was also investigated. The Strouhal behaviour of the ‘hairpin’ eddies shed by the roughness and role they play in the evolution of a fully developed turbulent boundary layer, as well as whether their generation is governed by an inflexional instability, are examined. Distributions of mean velocity and intensity of the u-fluctuation demonstrating the evolution toward such distributions for a fully developed turbulent boundary layer were measured on the centreline at Reynolds numbers below and above the critical Reynolds number of transition. A two-region model is postulated for the evolutionary change toward a fully developed turbulent boundary layer: an inner region where the turbulence is generated by the complex interaction of the hairpin eddies with the pre-existing stationary vortices that lie near the surface and are inherent to a flow about a three-dimensional obstacle in a laminar boundary layer; and an outer region where the hairpin eddies deform and generate turbulent vortex rings. The structure of the resulting fully developed turbulent boundary layer is discussed in the light of the proposed model for the evolutionary process.
Chaos in models of double convection
Authors: Rucklidge A. M.
Published: April 2006

In certain parameter regimes, it is possible to derive third-order sets of ordinary differential equations that are asymptotically exact descriptions of weakly nonlinear double convection and that exhibit chaotic behaviour. This paper presents a unified approach to deriving such models for two-dimensional convection in a horizontal layer of Boussinesq fluid with lateral constraints. Four situations are considered: thermosolutal convection, convection in an imposed vertical or horizontal magnetic field, and convection in a fluid layer rotating uniformly about a vertical axis. Thermosolutal convection and convection in an imposed horizontal magnetic field are shown here to be governed by the same sets of model equations, which exhibit the period-doubling cascades and chaotic solutions that are associated with the Shil'nikov bifurcation (Proctor & Weiss 1990). This establishes, for the first time, the existence of chaotic solutions of the equations governing two-dimensional magneto-convection. Moreover, in the limit of tall thin rolls, convection in an imposed vertical magnetic field and convection in a rotating fluid layer are both modelled by a new third-order set of ordinary differential equations, which is shown here to have chaotic solutions that are created in a homoclinic explosion, in the same manner as the chaotic solutions of the Lorenz equations. Unlike the Lorenz equations, however, this model provides an accurate description of convection in the parameter regime where the chaotic solutions appear.
Numerical simulation of turbulent convection over wavy terrain
Authors: Krettenauer Kilian , Schumann Ulrich
Published: April 2006

Thermal convection of a Boussinesq fluid in a layer confined between two infinite horizontal walls is investigated by direct numerical simulation (DNS) and by large-eddy simulation (LES) for zero horizontal mean motion. The lower-surface height varies sinusoidally in one horizontal direction while remaining constant in the other. Several cases are considered with amplitude δ up to 0.15H and wavelength λ of H to 8H (inclination up to 43°), where H is the mean fluid-layer height. Constant heat flux is prescribed at the lower surface of the initially at rest and isothermal fluid layer. In the LES, the surface is treated as rough surface (z0 = 10−4H) using the Monin-Oboukhov relationships. At the flat top an adiabatic frictionless boundary condition is applied which approximates a strong capping inversion of an atmospheric convective boundary layer. In both horizontal directions, the model domain extends over the same length (either 4H or 8H) with periodic lateral boundary conditions.

We compare DNS of moderate turbulence (Reynolds number based on H and on the convective velocity is 100, Prandtl number is 0.7) with LES of the fully developed turbulent state in terms of turbulence statistics and Characteristic large-scale-motion structures. The LES results for a flat surface generally agree well with the measurements of Adrian et al. (1986). The gross features of the flow statistics, such as profiles of turbulence variances and fluxes, are found to be not very sensitive to the variations of wavelength, amplitude, domain size and resolution and even the model type (DNS or LES), whereas details of the flow structure are changed considerably. The LES shows more turbulent structures and larger horizontal scales than the DNS. To a weak degree, the orography enforces rolls with axes both perpendicular and parallel to the wave crests and with horizontal wavelengths of about 2H to 4H. The orography has the largest effect for λ = 4H in the LES and for λ = 2H in the DNS. The results change little when the size of the computational domain is doubled in both horizontal directions. Most of the motion energy is contained in the large-scale structures and these structures are persistent in time over periods of several convective time units. The motion structure persists considerably longer over wavy terrain than over flat surfaces.
Optimum plane diffusers in laminar flow
Authors: Çlabuk Hayri , Modi Vijay
Published: April 2006

The problem of determining the profile of a plane diffuser (of given upstream width and length) that provides the maximum static pressure rise is solved. Two-dimensional, incompressible, laminar flow governed by the steady-state Navier-Stokes equations is assumed through the diffuser. Recent advances in computational resources and algorithms have made it possible to solve the ‘direct’ problem of determining such a flow through a body of known geometry. In this paper, a set of ‘adjoint’ equations is obtained, the solution to which permits the calculation of the direction and relative magnitude of change in the diffuser profile that leads to a higher pressure rise. The direct as well as the adjoint set of partial differential equations are obtained for Dirichlet-type inflow and outflow conditions. Repeatedly modifying the diffuser geometry with each solution to these two sets of equations with the above boundary conditions would in principle lead to a diffuser with the maximum static pressure rise, also called the optimum diffuser. The optimality condition, that the shear stress all along the wall must vanish for the optimum diffuser, is also recovered from the analysis. It is postulated that the adjoint set of equations continues to hold even if the computationally inconvenient Dirichlet-type outflow boundary condition is replaced by Neumann-type conditions. It is shown that numerical solutions obtained in this fashion do satisfy the optimality condition.
An explicit Hamiltonian formulation of surface waves in water of finite depth
Authors: Radder A. C.
Published: April 2006

A variational formulation of water waves is developed, based on the Hamiltonian theory of surface waves. An exact and unified description of the two-dimensional problem in the vertical plane is obtained in the form of a Hamiltonian functional, expressed in terms of surface quantities as canonical variables. The stability of the corresponding canonical equations can be ensured by using positive definite approximate energy functionals. While preserving full linear dispersion, the method distinguishes between short-wave nonlinearity, allowing the description of Stokes waves in deep water, and long-wave nonlinearity, applying to long waves in shallow water. Both types of nonlinearity are found necessary to describe accurately large-amplitude solitary waves.
The interface between fluid-like and solid-like behaviour in two-dimensional granular flows
Authors: Zhang Yi , Campbell Charles S.
Published: April 2006

The effective phase change from fluid behaviour to solid behaviour, that too often occurs in granular flow and brings with it such unwelcome events as funnel flows in hoppers and clogging of other material handling devices, is studied using a discrete particle computer simulation of a Couette flow with gravity. This simulation exhibits the full range of granular flow behaviour, from a stagnant solid-like material, through a quasi-static transition zone, to a rapid granular flow. The most important result is that the first movement in the material just above the static bed occurs in a quasi-static mode at a fixed value of the stress ratio τxy/τyy. Thus, it appears that the primary transition from solid to fluid behaviour is a yield-like phenomenon and can be described by a Mohr-Coulomb-type failure criterion.
On hydraulic control in a stratified fluid
Authors: Killworth Peter D.
Published: April 2006

The conditions for hydraulic control to occur in a continuously stratified fluid are discussed, using density as a vertical coordinate in place of height. A suitable definition of Froude number, which varies with depth, is given. Three conditions for control emerge. One is that the flow be everywhere well-behaved; another is that control occurs when the local long-wave speed vanishes. These are shown to be equivalent. The location of the control is determined indirectly by the Froude number, which occurs as the coefficient in an ordinary differential equation; the Froude number must be somewhere less than a critical value for control to occur. The third condition requires the coalescence of two different solutions for the same boundary conditions at the point of control. It is shown that this requirement is non-trivial: examples given include a simple control by topography, a virtual control, and a control by a constriction. A direct connection with layered theory is produced. Brief discussions of bidirectional flow (where the isopycnal surface of zero velocity must be flat) and weak shocks are given.
Instabilities of the liquid and mushy regions during solidification of alloys
Authors: Worster M. Grae
Published: April 2006

The solidification of melts can be profoundly influenced by convection. In alloys, compositional convection can be driven by solute gradients generated as one component of the alloy is preferentially incorporated within the solid, even when the thermal field is stabilizing. In this paper, two modes of compositional convection during solidification from below are uncovered using a linear-stability analysis: one, which we shall call the ‘mushy-layer mode’, is driven by buoyant residual fluid within a mushy layer, or porous medium, of dendritic crystals; the other, which we shall call the ‘boundary-layer mode’ is associated with a narrow compositional boundary layer in the melt just above the mush-liquid interface. Either mode can be the first to become unstable depending on the thermodynamical and physical properties of the alloy. The marginally stable eigenfunctions suggest that the boundary-layer mode results in fine-scale convection in the melt above the mushy layer and leaves the interstitial fluid of the mushy layer virtually stagnant. In contrast, the mushy-layer mode causes perturbations to the solid fraction of the mushy layer that are indicative of a tendency to form chimneys, which are vertical channels of reduced or zero solid fraction that have been observed experimentally. Particular attention is focused on the mushy-layer mode and its dependence upon the thermodynamical properties of the alloy. The results of this analysis are used to make a number of interpretations of earlier experimental studies such as the observations that some systems are less prone to form chimneys and that the regions of melt in these systems evolve to supersaturated conditions, while the melt evolves to unsaturated conditions once chimneys have formed. In addition, good quantitative agreement is found between the results of the linear-stability analysis and the experimental results of Tait & Jaupart (1992) for the onset of the mushy-layer mode of convection.
Compressible laminar flow in a capillary
Authors: van den Berg H. R. , ten Seldam C. A. , van der Gulik P. S.
Published: April 2006

An equation based on the hydrodynamical equations of change is solved, analytically and numerically, for the calculation of the viscosity from the mass-flow rate of a steady, isothermal, compressible and laminar flow in a capillaiy. It is shown that by far the most dominant correction is that due to the compressibility of the fluid, computable from the equation of state. The combined correction for the acceleration of the fluid and the change of the velocity profile appears to be 1.5 times larger than the correction accepted to date.
Experimental investigation of capillarity effects on surface gravity waves: non-wetting boundary conditions
Authors: Cocciaro Bruno , Faetti Sandro , Festa Crescenzo
Published: April 2006

Damping and eigenfrequencies of surface capillary—gravity waves greatly depend on the boundary conditions. To the best of our knowledge, so far no direct measurement has been made of the dynamic behaviour of the contact angle at the three-phase interface (fluid—vapour—solid walls) in the presence of surface oscillation. Therefore, theoretical models of surface gravity–capillary waves involve ad hoc phenomenological assumptions as far as the behavior of the contact angle is concerned. In this paper we report a systematic experimental investigation of the static and dynamic properties of surface waves in a cylindrical container where the free surface makes a static contact angle $\theta_{\rm c} = 62^{\circ}$ with the vertical walls. The actual boundary condition relating the contact angle to the velocity of the contact line is obtained using a new stroboscopic optical method. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical expressions to be found in the literature. Two different regimes are observed: (i) a low-amplitude regime, where the contact line always remains at rest and the contact angle oscillates during the oscillation of the free surface; (ii) a higher-amplitude regime, where the contact line slides on the vertical walls. The profile, the eigenfrequency and the damping rate of the first non-axisymmetric mode of the surface gravity waves are investigated. The eigenfrequency and damping rate in regime (i) are in satisfactory agreement with the predictions of the Graham-Eagle theory (1983) of pinned-end edge conditions. The eigenfrequency and damping rate in regime (ii) show a strongly nonlinear dependence on the oscillation amplitude of the free surface. All the experimental results concerning regime (ii) can be explained in terms of the Hocking (1987 a) and Miles (1967, 1991) models of capillary damping by introducing an ‘effective’ capillary coefficient $\lambda_{\rm eft}$. This coefficient is directly obtained for the first time in our experiment from dynamic measurements on the contact line. A satisfactory agreement is found to exist between theory and experiment.
Nonlinear and free-surface effects on the spin-down of barotropic axisymmetric vortices
Authors: Maas Leo R. M.
Published: April 2006

The spin-down of a barotropic axisymmetric vortex, such as observed in laboratory models, is examined analytically. In addition to the classical, self-similar Ekman decay due to viscous effects (Greenspan & Howard 1963), which is characterized by an azimuthal velocity profile with the position of its maximum velocity fixed and a decay time equal to the Ekman timescale. the effects of nonlinearity and a free surface are considered separately.

The Ekman circulation in the radial and vertical planes whose strength is determined by the vorticity of the overlying fluid, leads to radial advection of the azimuthal velocity. This nonlinearity results in a nonlinear kinematic wave equation for the circulation and leads to the outward/inward propagation of the position of maximum azimuthal velocity for cyclonic/anticyclonic vortices. The associated steepening of the azimuthal velocity profile may lead to a shock formation when the absolute vorticity of the initial profile is negative at a certain radius. For anticyclonic vortices having a monotonically increasing angular velocity profile this shock formation occurs at the core. For such vortices (or arbitrary cyclonic vortices) this dynamical ‘breaking’ criterion is, despite significant differences in the physics concerned, identical to Rayleigh's kinematical criterion for the onset of centrifugal instability.

For a dynamically active free-surface fluid the spin-down of a decaying vortex is prolonged by a radially dependent factor proportional to the Froude number. This conclusion holds both in a cylinder with a parabolic bottom (mimicking the shape of the free surface of a fluid in solid-body rotation) and in a flat-bottomed cylinder. In view of the constancy of background vorticity the former geometry is relevant for a comparison to geophysical f-plane vortices. The latter geometry, however, is more easily established in a laboratory experiment, but the evolution of the azimuthal velocity profile is much more complicated and depends on the initial azimuthal velocity profile in a highly convoluted way.
The lift on a small sphere in wall-bounded linear shear flows
Authors: McLaughlin John B.
Published: April 2006

This paper presents a closed-form solution for the inertial lift force acting on a small rigid sphere that translates parallel to a flat wall in a linear shear flow. The results provide connections between results derived by other workers for various limiting cases. An analytical form for the lift force is derived in the limit of large separations. Some new results are presented for the disturbance flow created by a small rigid sphere translating through an unbounded linear shear flow.
Direct numerical simulation of transition to turbulence in Görtler flow
Authors: Liu Wei , Domaradzki J. Andrzej
Published: April 2006

Using direct numerical simulation techniques we investigate transition to turbulence in a boundary-layer flow containing two large-scale counter-rotating vortices with axes aligned in the streamwise direction. The vortices are assumed to have been generated by the Görtler instability mechanism operating in boundary-layer flows over concave walls. Full, three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in a natural curvilinear coordinate system for a flow over concave wall are solved by a pseudospectral numerical method. The simulations are initialized with the most unstable mode of the linear stability theory for this flow with its amplitude taken from the experimental measurements of Swearingen & Blackwelder (1987). The evolution of the Görtler vortices for two different spanwise wavenumbers has been investigated. In all cases the development of strong inflexional velocity profiles is observed in both spanwise and vertical directions. The instabilities of these velocity profiles are identified as a primary mechanism of the transition process. The results indicate that the spanwise shear plays a more prominent role in the transition to turbulence than the vertical shear, in agreement with the hypothesis originally proposed by Swearingen & Blackwelder (1987). The following features of the transition, consistent with this hypothesis, were observed. Instability oscillations start in the spanwise direction and are followed later by oscillations in the vertical direction. A two-dimensional linear stability analysis predicts that the maximum growth rates of perturbations associated with the spanwise profiles are greater than those associated with the vertical profiles. Regions of high perturbation velocity correlate well with the regions of high spanwise shear and no obvious correlation with the vertical shear regions is observed. Finally, the analysis of the kinetic energy balance equation reveals that most of the perturbation energy production in the initial stages of transition occurs in the region characterized by large spanwise shear created by the action of the vortices moving low-speed fluid away from the wall. Our results are consistent qualitatively and quantitatively with other experimental, theoretical, and numerical investigations of this flow.
The effect of a circular cylinder on the diffusion of matter by a plume
Authors: Tsunoda H. , Sakai Y. , Nakamura I. , Liu S.
Published: April 2006

Experimental results are given for the mean and fluctuation concentration in a plume from a point source in grid-generated turbulence, which has developed so as to have a width comparable to the cylinder diameter, is disturbed by a cylinder with its axis intersecting the plume axis perpendicularly. It is shown that the disturbance effect of the cylinder appears in the upstream region of about 1.5 diameter from the stagnation point. As the stagnation point is approached, the increased travel time and the enhanced molecular diffusion cause a noticeable amplification of the dissipation of concentration variance. Also, the characteristics of some conditional statistics of the plume entrained in the wake are examined in order to investigate the intermittent structure of the plume meandering produced by the Kármán vortex street.
Three-dimensional flow over two spheres placed side by side
Authors: Kim Inchul , Elghobashi Said , Sirignano William A.
Published: April 2006

Three-dimensional flow over two identical (solid or liquid) spheres which are held fixed relative to each other with the line connecting their centres normal to a uniform I stream is investigated numerically at Reynolds numbers 50, 100, and 150. We consider the lift, moment, and drag coefficients on the spheres and investigate their dependence on the distance between the two spheres. The computations show that, for a given Reynolds number, the two spheres are repelled when the spacing is of the order of the diameter but are weakly attracted at intermediate separation distances. For small spacing, the vortical structure of the near wake is significantly different from that of the axisymmetric wake that establishes at large separations. The partially confined flow passing between the two spheres entrains the flows coming around their other sides. Our results agree with available experimental and numerical data.
Frequency spectra of reactant fluctuations in turbulent flows
Authors: Kosály George
Published: April 2006

Bilger, Saetran & Krishnamoorthy (1991) give measured values of the variance, cross-correlation coefficient, autospectra, coherence and phase shift of the reactant concentration fluctuations for an irreversible second-order reaction in an incompressible turbulent scalar mixing layer. The present paper approaches the interpretation of the measured data by evaluating the above quantities in the frozen (slow) and equilibrium (fast) chemistry limits. We assume that the limiting values bracket the corresponding intermediate rate data.

The analysis leads to values that correspond with the measured variances and correlation coefficients. The paper offers simple procedures for experimenters to evaluate the fast chemistry limit of the spectral characteristics from the measured mixture fraction fluctuations. The investigation of the limiting spectra suggests that, in the frequency region considered in the Bilger et al. measurements, the shape of the autospectrum is quite insensitive to the chemistry rate. The cross-spectrum is much more sensitive to the chemistry than the autospectrum. The analysis predicts correctly that the coherence decreases with increasing frequency while the phase stays equal to π until the decrease of the coherence leads to indeterminate phase results.
Preferred pattern of convection in a porous layer with a spatially non-uniform boundary temperature
Authors: Riahi D. N.
Published: April 2006

The problem of finite-amplitude thermal convection in a porous layer between two horizontal walls with different mean temperatures is considered when spatially non-uniform temperature with amplitude L* is prescribed at the lower wall. The nonlinear problem of three-dimensional convection for values of the Rayleigh number close to the classical critical value is solved by using a perturbation technique. Two cases are considered: the wavelength γ(b)n of the nth mode of the modulation is equal to or not equal to the critical wavelength γc for the onset of classical convection. The preferred mode of convection is determined by a stability analysis in which arbitrary infinitesimal disturbances are superimposed on the steady solutions. The most surprising results for the case γ(b)n = γc for all n are that regular or non-regular solutions in the form of multi-modal pattern convection can become preferred in some range of L*, provided the wave vectors of such pattern are contained in the set of wave vectors representing the spatially non-uniform boundary temperature. There can be critical value(s) L*c of L* below which the preferred flow pattern is different from the one for L* > L*c. The most surprising result for the case γ(b)n ≠ γc and γ(b)n ≡ γ(b) for all n is that some three-dimensional solution in the form of multi-modal convection can be preferred, even if the boundary modulation is one-dimensional, provided that the wavelength of the modulation is not too small. Here γ(b) is a constant independent of n.
Determination of two-dimensional magnetostatic equilibria and analogous Euler flows
Authors: Linardatos D.
Published: April 2006

The equivalence of the method of magnetic relaxation to a variational problem with an infinity of constraints is established. This variational problem is solved in principle and approximations to the exact solution are compared to results obtained by numerical relaxation of fields with a single stationary elliptic point. In the case of a finite energy field of the above topology extending to infinity, we show that the minimum energy state is the one in which all field lines are concentric circles and that this state is topologically accessible from the original one. This state is used as a reference state for understanding the relaxation of fields constrained by finite boundaries. We then consider the relaxation of fields containing saddle points and confirm the tendency of the saddle points to collapse and form two Y-points. An infinite family of local equilibrium solutions each describing a Y-point is provided.
Water entry of two-dimensional bodies
Authors: Zhao R. , Faltinsen O.
Published: April 2006

A numerical method for studying water entry of a two-dimensional body of arbitrary cross-section is presented. It is a nonlinear boundary element method with a jet flow approximation. The method has been verified by comparisons with new similarity solution results for wedges with deadrise angles varying from 4° to 81°. A simple asymptotic solution for small deadrise angles α based on Wagner (1932) agrees with the similarity solution for small α.
Dynamical aspects of vortex reconnection of perturbed anti-parallel vortex tubes
Authors: Shelley M. J. , Meiron D. I. , Orszag S. A.
Published: April 2006

The phenomenon of vortex reconnection is analysed numerically and the results are compared qualitatively with the predictions of a model of reconnection recently proposed by Saffman. Using spectral methods over both uniform and strained meshes, numerical simulations are performed of two nearly parallel, counter-rotating vortex tubes, over the range of Reynolds numbers Re = 1000–3500. The calculations utilizing a uniform mesh are performed for Re ≤ 1500 with a resolution of 128 points in each direction. The calculations utilizing a stretched mesh are performed for 1500 < Re ≤ 3500 with a resolution of up to 160 points in each direction and with a fourfold stretching about the region of reconnection. We present results for the variation of the maximum of vorticity, the time to reconnection, and other diagnostics of this flow as functions of the Reynolds number. From numerical simulation of the model equations, we infer and demonstrate the existence of exact solutions to the model to which its solutions arising from more general initial conditions are attracted at late times. In the limit of infinite Reynolds number, the model predicts eventual saturation of the axial strain, a feature observed in the recent work of Pumir & Siggia and also observed in our full numerical simulations. In this respect the model captures the observed local dynamics of vortex stretching. However, because the global effects of external flows are not included in the model, the model predicts that the axial strain eventually decays and the maximum vorticity grows linearly at late times. In contrast, from the full simulations, we see the possible emergence of the behaviour of the axial strain at infinite Reynolds number. As our simulations are affected by non-local effects, we do observe saturation of the strain but no subsequent decay. It is also shown analytically that the model predicts a reconnection time which varies logarithmically with increasing Reynolds number. Comparison with the full numerical simulations shows a much slower variation of the reconnection time with increasing Reynolds number than predicted by the model. Other points of agreement and disagreement between the Saffman model and the simulations are discussed, Reconnection is also discussed from the point of view of its relation to the possible onset of nearly singular behaviour of the Euler equation. In agreement with the recent numerical results of Pumir & Siggia, our results suggest that no singularity in the vorticity will form in a finite time for this initial condition.
Some experimental observations of secondary motions in a confined vortex flow
Authors: Granger Robert A.
Published: April 2006

Three decades have passed since vortex breakdown was first identified as a natural fluid flow phenomenon. Three key theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon: hydrodynamic instability, conjugate states and flow stagnation. Despite a considerable amount of theoretical and experimental investigation, there is still nothing approaching a completely satisfactory theory of vortex breakdown. In addition, there is no agreement on a complete physical description of the structure of vortex breakdown. The present experimental investigation may substantiate a few earlier conjectures. We discuss an experimental finding that might help clarify the phenomenon through the use of flow visualization and laser-Doppler velocimetry. Experimental measurements substantiate earlier measurements and theoretical calculations of the velocity field. The evidence suggests that there is a connection between criticality and instability.
Vorticity measurements in the near wake of a circular cylinder at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Green R. B. , Gerrard J. H.
Published: April 2006

The technique of the particle streak method has been applied to the study of bluff-body wakes at low Reynolds number. Vorticity and shear stress were measured to an accuracy of 15–20%. The vortex shedding cycles at Reynolds number of 73 and 226 are shown and the differences between the two are highlighted. Quantitative descriptions of the previously described vortex splitting phenomenon in the near wake are made, which leads to a description of the vortex shedding mechanism at low Reynolds number. The definition of low-Reynolds-number formation region length is examined. The strength of shed vortices obtained from integration of the vorticity is compared with directly measured vortex strengths and with the results of two-dimensional numerical analysis.