The interaction of vortices passing near free and solid surfaces has been examined using
direct numerical simulation (DNS). A computer code was developed which solves the
unsteady, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow. A critical element
of the numerical scheme is the efficient solution of Poisson's equation. A state of the
art solver based on multigrid techniques was developed which gives excellent convergence
rates. The result is a tool capable of modeling complex three-dimensional flows in a variety
of configurations.
Three different flow fields have been examined in order to determine some of the complex
interactions involved between a vortex and a surface. The first concerns the two-dimensional
interaction between a boundary layer and a convecting vortex. The size and height above
the wall of the vortex are the same order of magnitude as the boundary layer thickness. A
strong primary vortex creates a secondary vortex which causes the rebound of the primary, a
response observed in many previous studies. However, weaker vortices as well do not follow
the inviscid trajectory despite the absence of a secondary vortex. Rather than creating
vorticity at the wall, a weaker vortex mainly redistributes the vorticity of the boundary layer.
The redistributed vorticity alters the path of the vortex in ways not seen for vortex/wall
interactions.
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