Transformation of hanging discontinuities into vortex systems in a stratified flow behind a cylinder

The mechanisms of formation of hanging discontinuities, vortex dipoles, and vortex arrays in the wave wake behind a cylinder moving at a constant velocity in a stratified fluid are investigated using various schlieren methods. The existence of discontinuities is attributable to the distortion of the internal-wave phase pattern in the shear flow and to the varying stratification and subsequent interaction of the waves with the appearing nonuniformities. Hanging discontinuities and vortex systems are low-velocity analogs of shock waves. An analysis of the internal-wave pattern indicates that the values of the normal velocity component differ on the upper and lower edges of the discontinuities. A regime diagram for flows of this kind is given.