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A Numerical Study Of Three-Dimensional Vortex Breakdown, Robert Edward Spall

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

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 …