An initial explosive growth in the number of new vortex structures occurs as the flow compensates for the absence of sufficient spanwise vorticity in the initial conditions. Preliminary statistics taken from ongoing simulations suggest that the computational field is approaching the correct physical state. The accompanying figures show the vortex filament system that has developed in response to the initial perturbation. Further work in simulating the flow past a prolate spheroid is also under way. Plan view of the vortex system.
Flow is from bottom to top.
The flow is transitioning to a fully turbulent state. Side view of new vortices showing quasi-streamwise structure and ejections toward the channel center. Flow is from left to right. Prediction of turbulent flows is of paramount importance in a wide range of engineering applications. By being grid free, and suitable for high Reynolds number flow, vortex methods may have unique capabilities in a wide spectrum of problems.