Vortex particle‐in‐cell method for three‐dimensional viscous unbounded flow computations

A new vortex particle‐in‐cell (PIC) method is developed for the computation of three‐dimensional unsteady, incompressible viscous flow in an unbounded domain. The method combines the advantages of the Lagrangian particle methods for convection and the use of an Eulerian grid to compute the diffusion and vortex stretching. The velocity boundary conditions used in the method are of Dirichlet‐type, and can be calculated using the vorticity field on the grid by the Biot–Savart equation. The present results for the propagation speed of the single vortex ring are in good agreement with the Saffman's model. The applications of the method to the head‐on and head‐off collisions of the two vortex rings show good agreement with the experimental and numerical literature. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A combined vortex and panel method for numerical simulations of viscous flows: a comparative study of a vortex particle method and a finite volume method

This paper describes and compares two vorticity‐based integral approaches for the solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Either a Lagrangian vortex particle method or an Eulerian finite volume scheme is implemented to solve the vorticity transport equation with a vorticity boundary condition. The Biot–Savart integral is used to compute the velocity field from a vorticity distribution over a fluid domain. The vorticity boundary condition is improved by the use of an iteration scheme connected with the well‐established panel method. In the early stages of development of flows around an impulsively started circular cylinder, and past an impulsively started foil with varying angles of attack, the computational results obtained by the Lagrangian vortex method are compared with those obtained by the Eulerian finite volume method. The comparison is performed separately for the pressure fields as well. The results obtained by the two methods are in good agreement, and give a better understanding of the vorticity‐based methods. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three‐dimensional vortex simulation of unsteady flow in hydraulic turbines

On the basis of the Helmholtz decomposition, a grid‐free numerical scheme is provided for the solution of unsteady flow in hydraulic turbines. The Lagrangian vortex method is utilized to evaluate the convection and stretch of the vorticity, and the BEM is used to solve the Neumann problem to define the potential flow. The no‐slip boundary condition is satisfied by generating vortex sticks at the solid surface. A semi‐analytical regularization technique is applied to evaluate the singular boundary surface integrals of the potential velocity and its gradients accurately. The fast multipole method was extended to evaluate the velocity and velocity gradients induced by the discretized vortex blobs in the Lagrangian vortex method. The successful simulation for the unsteady flow through a hydraulic turbine's runner has manifested the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A hybrid vortex method for the simulation of three‐dimensional flows

This paper presents an integral vorticity method for solving three‐dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. A finite volume scheme is implemented to solve the vorticity transport equation, which is discretized on a structured hexahedral mesh. A vortex sheet algorithm is used to enforce the no‐slip boundary condition through a vorticity flux at the boundary. The Biot–Savart integral is evaluated to compute the velocity field, in conjunction with a fast algorithm based on multipole expansion. This method is applied to the simulation of uniform flow past a sphere. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large eddy simulation (2D) using diffusion–velocity method and vortex‐in‐cell

A large eddy Simulation based on the diffusion‐velocity method and the discrete vortex method is presented. The vorticity‐based and eddy viscosity type subgrid scale model simulating the enstrophy transfer between the large and small scale appears as a convective term in the diffusion‐velocity formulation. The methodology has been tested on a spatially growing mixing layer using the two‐dimensional vortex‐in‐cell method and the Smagorinsky subgrid scale model. The effects on the vorticity contours, momemtum thickness, mean streamwise velocity profiles, root‐mean‐square velocity and vorticity fluctuations and negative cross‐stream correlation are discussed. Comparison is made with experiment and numerical work where diffusion is simulated using random walk. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A viscous vortex particle method for deforming bodies with application to biolocomotion

Bio‐inspired mechanics of locomotion generally consist of the interaction of flexible structures with the surrounding fluid to generate propulsive forces. In this work, we extend, for the first time, the viscous vortex particle method (VVPM) to continuously deforming two‐dimensional bodies. The VVPM is a high‐fidelity Navier–Stokes computational method that captures the fluid motion through evolution of vorticity‐bearing computational particles. The kinematics of the deforming body surface are accounted for via a surface integral in the Biot–Savart velocity. The spurious slip velocity in each time step is removed by computing an equivalent vortex sheet and allowing it to flux to adjacent particles; hence, no‐slip boundary conditions are enforced. Particles of both uniform and variable size are utilized, and their relative merits are considered. The placement of this method in the larger class of immersed boundary methods is explored. Validation of the method is carried out on the problem of a periodically deforming circular cylinder immersed in a stagnant fluid, for which an analytical solution exists when the deformations are small. We show that the computed vorticity and velocity of this motion are both in excellent agreement with the analytical solution. Finally, we explore the fluid dynamics of a simple fish‐like shape undergoing undulatory motion when immersed in a uniform free stream, to demonstrate the application of the method to investigations of biomorphic locomotion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A combined Lagrangian method for simulation of axisymmetric gas-particle vortex flows

A combined fully Lagrangian approach for meshless modeling of unsteady axisymmetric vortex flows of a gas-particle mixture with an incompressible carrier phase is developed. The approach proposed is based on the combination of a meshless vortex method for calculating axisymmetric flows of the carrier phase described by the Navier–Stokes (or Euler) equations and the full Lagrangian method for calculating the parameters of the dispersed phase. The combination of these methods reduces the problem of modeling the two phase flows to the solution of a high-order system of ordinary differential equations for the coordinates of toroidal vortex elements in the carrier phase and the particle trajectories, the velocity components, and the components of the Jacobian of transformation from the Eulerian to the Lagrangian variables in the dispersed phase. The application of the method is illustrated by modeling the behavior of an admixture of inertial Stokes particles with a small mass concentration in unsteady flows like solitary vortex rings in a viscous carrier phase and groups of vortex rings in an effectively inviscid carrier phase.     

Fourth‐ and tenth‐order compact finite difference solutions of perturbed circular vortex flows

In this study, high‐order compact finite difference calculations are reported for 2D unsteady incompressible circular vortex flow in primitive variable formulation. The fourth‐order Runge–Kutta temporal discretization is used together with fourth‐ or tenth‐order compact spatial discretization. Dependent on the perturbation initially imposed, the solutions display a tripole, triangular or square vortex. The comparison of the predictions with the detailed spectral calculations of Kloosterziel and Carnevale (J. Fluid Mech. 1999; 388 :217–257) shows that the vorticity fields are very well captured. The spectral resolution of the present method was quantified from the decomposition of the vorticity distribution in its azimuthal components and compared with reported spectral results. Using identical grid resolution to the reference results yields negligible differences in the main features of the flow. The perturbation amplitude and its first harmonic are virtually identical to the reference results for both fourth‐ or tenth‐order spatial discretization, as theoretically expected but seldom a posteriori verified. The differences between the two spatial discretizations appear only for coarser grids, favouring the tenth‐order discretization. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of a plane‐free jet exhausting from a channel by vortex‐in‐cell method

A two‐dimensional simulation of a plane jet exhausting from a channel has been performed using the vortex in cell algorithm in the Reynolds number range of 100–900. The vorticity is generated on the wall of the entrance channel whose length has been fixed in order to obtain a fully developed velocity profile at the entry of the jet. The transient behaviour of the velocity field starting from rest has been observed until reaching a quasi steady regime. The mean value of the velocity field is compared with the results of a finite volume computation on the same mesh. The velocity fluctuations obtained using this method are analysed. Their effect on the mean flow is estimated to be smaller than the viscous effect. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large eddy simulation (2D) of spatially developing mixing layer using vortex‐in‐cell for flow field and filtered probability density function for scalar field

A large eddy simulation based on filtered vorticity transport equation has been coupled with filtered probability density function transport equation for scalar field, to predict the velocity and passive scalar fields. The filtered vorticity transport has been formulated using diffusion‐velocity method and then solved using the vortex method. The methodology has been tested on a spatially growing mixing layer using the two‐dimensional vortex‐in‐cell method in conjunction with both Smagorinsky and dynamic eddy viscosity subgrid scale models for an anisotropic flow. The transport equation for filtered probability density function is solved using the Lagrangian Monte‐Carlo method. The unresolved subgrid scale convective term in filtered density function transport is modelled using the gradient diffusion model. The unresolved subgrid scale mixing term is modelled using the modified Curl model. The effects of subgrid scale models on the vorticity contours, mean streamwise velocity profiles, root‐mean‐square velocity and vorticity fluctuations profiles and negative cross‐stream correlations are discussed. Also the characteristics of the passive scalar, i.e. mean concentration profiles, root‐mean‐square concentration fluctuations profiles and filtered probability density function are presented and compared with previous experimental and numerical works. The sensitivity of the results to the Schmidt number, constant in mixing frequency and inflow boundary conditions are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

非对称槽道中涡旋波的特性研究

利用PIV流场显示技术，对振荡流体在非对称槽道中涡旋波的产生、发展和消失的规律进 行了实验研究和分析，测得了涡旋波流场的速度矢量图，阐明了涡旋波流场周期性变化的特 点. 结合涡动力学方程，深入分析并揭示了做周期性运动的流体能在槽道中产生波的特性这 一规律，从中发现：流体周期变化的非定常性和不对称的槽道结构是形成涡旋波流动的主要 因素. 本文对涡旋波流场中各个旋涡的速度分布和涡量进行了测量和计算，分析了涡旋波 强化传质的机理，并研究了Re数对涡旋波流动的影响     

Improved ALE mesh velocities for complex flows

A key choice in the development of arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian solution algorithms is how to move the computational mesh. The most common approaches are smoothing and relaxation techniques, or to compute a mesh velocity field that produces smooth mesh displacements. We present a method in which the mesh velocity is specified by the irrotational component of the fluid velocity as computed from a Helmholtz decomposition, and excess compression of mesh cells is treated through a noniterative, local spring‐force model. This approach allows distinct and separate control over rotational and translational modes. The utility of the new mesh motion algorithm is demonstrated on a number of 3D test problems, including problems that involve both shocks and significant amounts of vorticity.     

Simulation of self‐propelled anguilliform swimming by local domain‐free discretization method

The local domain‐free discretization method is extended in this work to simulate fluid–structure interaction problems, the class of which is exemplified by the self‐propelled anguilliform swimming of deforming bodies in a fluid medium. Given the deformation of the fish body in its own reference frame, the translational and rotational motions of the body governed by Newton's Law are solved together with the surrounding flow field governed by Navier–Stokes equations. When the body is deforming and moving, no mesh regeneration is required in the computation. The loose coupling strategy is employed to simulate the fluid–structure interaction involved in the self‐propelled swimming. The local domain‐free discretization method and an efficient algorithm for classifying the Eulerian mesh points are described in brief. To validate the fluid–structure interaction solver, we simulate the ‘lock‐in’ phenomena associated with the vortex‐induced vibrations of an elastically mounted cylinder. Finally, we demonstrate applications of the method to two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional anguilliform‐swimming fish. The kinematics and dynamics associated with the center of mass are shown and the rotational movement is also presented via the angular position of the body axis. The wake structure is visualized in terms of vorticity contours. All the obtained numerical results show good agreement with available data in the literature. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A hybrid Lagrangian–Eulerian particle‐level set method for numerical simulations of two‐fluid turbulent flows

A coupled Lagrangian interface‐tracking and Eulerian level set (LS) method is developed and implemented for numerical simulations of two‐fluid flows. In this method, the interface is identified based on the locations of notional particles and the geometrical information concerning the interface and fluid properties, such as density and viscosity, are obtained from the LS function. The LS function maintains a signed distance function without an auxiliary equation via the particle‐based Lagrangian re‐initialization technique. To assess the new hybrid method, numerical simulations of several ‘standard interface‐moving’ problems and two‐fluid laminar and turbulent flows are conducted. The numerical results are evaluated by monitoring the mass conservation, the turbulence energy spectral density function and the consistency between Eulerian and Lagrangian components. The results of our analysis indicate that the hybrid particle‐level set method can handle interfaces with complex shape change, and can accurately predict the interface values without any significant (unphysical) mass loss or gain, even in a turbulent flow. The results obtained for isotropic turbulence by the new particle‐level set method are validated by comparison with those obtained by the ‘zero Mach number’, variable‐density method. For the cases with small thermal/mass diffusivity, both methods are found to generate similar results. Analysis of the vorticity and energy equations indicates that the destabilization effect of turbulence and the stability effect of surface tension on the interface motion are strongly dependent on the density and viscosity ratios of the fluids. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical simulation of shock tube generated vortex: effect of numerics

Vortices generated at the open end of a planar shock tube are numerically simulated using the AUSM+ scheme. This scheme is known to have low numerical dissipation and therefore is suitable for capturing unsteady vortex motion. However, this low numerical dissipation can also cause oscillations in the vorticity field. Numerical experiments presented here highlight the effect of numerical dissipation on the simulated vortex, as well as the role played by turbulence models. Two turbulence models – the shear-stress-transport (SST) and its modified version for unsteady flows (SST-SAS) – are employed to observe the effect of including turbulence models in such complex flows where the vortex has an embedded shock.     

Numerical study of an inviscid incompressible flow through a channel of finite length

A two‐dimensional inviscid incompressible flow in a rectilinear channel of finite length is studied numerically. Both the normal velocity and the vorticity are given at the inlet, and only the normal velocity is specified at the outlet. The flow is described in terms of the stream function and vorticity. To solve the unsteady problem numerically, we propose a version of the vortex particle method. The vorticity field is approximated using its values at a set of fluid particles. A pseudo‐symplectic integrator is employed to solve the system of ordinary differential equations governing the motion of fluid particles. The stream function is computed using the Galerkin method. Unsteady flows developing from an initial perturbation in the form of an elliptical patch of vorticity are calculated for various values of the volume flux of fluid through the channel. It is shown that if the flux of fluid is large, the initial vortex patch is washed out of the channel, and when the flux is reduced, the initial perturbation evolves to a steady flow with stagnation regions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evolution analysis of the main mechanisms of the jet/vortex interaction

A new analysis method of the jet/vortex interaction is presented to better understand the effect of each vortical structure on the others composing the jet and even on itself. Vortical structures are isolated from each other and the velocity field they produce is calculated by means of the Biot–Savart law. The structure influence on each another is then distinguished from the others by using its velocity field in the calculation of the vorticity momentum equations. Based on 3D‐datafields provided by a large‐eddy‐simulation (LES) of the interaction between a Lamb–Oseen vortex and a turbulent round jet, a post‐processing tool educes the vortical structures and quantifies the different vorticity momentum equations terms. The study has been limited to the first steps of the interaction regime when there are still few vortical structures so that the subsequent analysis of the post‐process results remains simple enough to be performed. The present method confirmed the intensification of azimuthal structures as they roll up around the main vortex. Core disturbance of the latter was found to be initially caused by those structures and not by core dynamic instabilities, which become dominant with the appearance of non‐linear mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical simulation of flow in a circular duct fitted with air‐jet vortex generators

Most of the fundamental studies of the use of air‐jet vortex generators (AJVGs) have concentrated on their potential ability to inhibit boundary layer separation on aerofoils. However, AJVGs may be of use in controlling or enhancing certain features of internal duct flows. For example, they may be of use in controlling the boundary layer at the entrance to engine air intakes, or as a means of increasing mixing and heat transfer. The objective of this paper is to analyse the flow field in the proximity of an air‐jet vortex generator array in a duct by using two local numerical models, i.e. a simple flat plate model and a more geometrically faithful sector model. The sector model mirrors the circular nature of the duct's cross‐section and the centre line conditions on the upper boundary. The flow was assumed fully turbulent and was solved using the finite volume, Navier–Stokes Code CFX 4 (CFDS, AEA Technology, Harwell) on a non‐orthogonal, body‐fitted, grid using the k–ε turbulence model and standard wall functions. Streamwise, vertical and cross‐stream velocity profiles, circulation and peak vorticity decay, peak vorticity paths in cross‐stream and streamwise direction, cross‐stream vorticity profiles and cross‐stream wall shear stress distributions were predicted. Negligible difference in results was observed between the flat plate and the sector model, since the produced vortices were small relative to the duct diameter and close to the surface. The flow field was most enhanced, i.e. maximum thinning of the boundary layer, with a configuration of 30° pitch and 75° skew angle. No significant difference in results could be observed between co‐ and counter‐rotating vortex arrays. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thin‐tube vortex simulations for sinusoidal instability in a counter‐rotating vortex pair

A thin‐tube vortex method is developed to investigate the intrinsic instability within a counter‐rotating vortex pair system and the effects from the core size and the wavenumbers (or wavelengths). The numerical accuracy and the advantages of the scheme are theoretically estimated. A nearest‐neighbour‐image method is employed in this three‐dimensional vortex simulation. Agreement with Crow's instability analysis has been achieved numerically for the long‐wave cases. A short‐wave instability for the zeroth radial mode of bending instability has also been found using the thin‐tube vortex simulations. Then, the combinations of long‐ and short‐wave instability are investigated to elucidate the non‐linear effects due to the interactions of two different modes. It is shown that instability is enhanced if both long‐ and short‐wave instabilities occur simultaneously. Although the method used in the paper is not capable of including effects such as axial flow, vortex core deformation and other complicated viscous effects, it effectively predicts and clarifies the first‐order factor that dominates the sinusoidal instability behaviour in a vortex pair. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

三角翼前缘涡的某些破裂形式及特性研究

基于流动显示和PIV技术测量的实验结果，对三角翼前缘涡破裂的一些形式和破裂特性进行了分析和讨论。通过PIV测量所得到的涡量分布证实了在螺旋破裂的情况下，涡核的螺旋方向与前缘涡的旋转方向相反，及双螺旋破裂形式的存在等。进而对螺旋波的形成机理提出了与有关文献不同的看法。