Abstract
This paper addresses reconnection of vortex tubes, with particular focus on the topology of the vortex lines (field lines of the vorticity). This analysis of vortex line topology reveals key features of the reconnection process, such as the generation of many small flux rings, formed when reconnection occurs in multiple locations in the vortex sheet between the tubes. Consideration of three-dimensional reconnection principles leads to a robust measurement of the reconnection rate, even once instabilities break the symmetry. It also allows us to identify internal reconnection of vortex lines within the individual vortex tubes. Finally, the introduction of a third vortex tube is shown to render the vortex reconnection process fully three-dimensional, leading to a fundamental change in the topological structure of the process. An additional interesting feature is the generation of vorticity null points.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 054701 |
| Journal | Physical Review Fluids |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 May 2018 |
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Vortex line topology during vortex tube reconnection. / Mcgavin, Philip; Pontin, David.
In: Physical Review Fluids, Vol. 3, No. 5, 054701, 23.05.2018.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Vortex line topology during vortex tube reconnection
AU - Mcgavin, Philip
AU - Pontin, David
N1 - The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Leverhulme Trust and EPSRC
PY - 2018/5/23
Y1 - 2018/5/23
N2 - This paper addresses reconnection of vortex tubes, with particular focus on the topology of the vortex lines (field lines of the vorticity). This analysis of vortex line topology reveals key features of the reconnection process, such as the generation of many small flux rings, formed when reconnection occurs in multiple locations in the vortex sheet between the tubes. Consideration of three-dimensional reconnection principles leads to a robust measurement of the reconnection rate, even once instabilities break the symmetry. It also allows us to identify internal reconnection of vortex lines within the individual vortex tubes. Finally, the introduction of a third vortex tube is shown to render the vortex reconnection process fully three-dimensional, leading to a fundamental change in the topological structure of the process. An additional interesting feature is the generation of vorticity null points.
AB - This paper addresses reconnection of vortex tubes, with particular focus on the topology of the vortex lines (field lines of the vorticity). This analysis of vortex line topology reveals key features of the reconnection process, such as the generation of many small flux rings, formed when reconnection occurs in multiple locations in the vortex sheet between the tubes. Consideration of three-dimensional reconnection principles leads to a robust measurement of the reconnection rate, even once instabilities break the symmetry. It also allows us to identify internal reconnection of vortex lines within the individual vortex tubes. Finally, the introduction of a third vortex tube is shown to render the vortex reconnection process fully three-dimensional, leading to a fundamental change in the topological structure of the process. An additional interesting feature is the generation of vorticity null points.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85049026018&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevFluids.3.054701
DO - 10.1103/PhysRevFluids.3.054701
M3 - Article
VL - 3
JO - Physical Review Fluids
JF - Physical Review Fluids
SN - 2469-990X
IS - 5
M1 - 054701
ER -