Direct Numerical Simulation of channel flow was utilized to study the evolution of various vortex configurations presented as flow initial conditions. Simulations of longitudinally, laterally and cross-flow oriented vortices suggested that the predominant form of turbulent structure was the half hairpin vortex. This vortical structure was dominant in the simulations seen in this as well as other investigations. In all cases hairpin vortices quickly degenerated to half hairpin or inclined vortical structures. It is hypothesized that these structures function as the predominant momentum transfer mechanism within the boundary layer, entraining fluid into the vortex cores like miniature tornados and transporting this fluid to the top of the boundary layer while simultaneously dragging fluid viscously around the inclined core of the vortex causing mixing of low-speed and high-speed flows.

Creator

• Linn, Anthony B

Contributors

• Olinger, David J.
• Walker, Homer F.
• Durgin, William W.

Degree

• PhD

Unit

• Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Language

• English

Identifier

• etd-042607-093941

Keyword

• mixing length
• Turbulence
• vortical structure

Advisor

• Durgin, William W.

Committee

• Olinger, David J.
• Walker, Homer F.

Defense date

• 2007-05-03

Year

• 2007

Date created

• 2007-04-26

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright