Direct numerical simulation of helical vortices. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delbende, Ivan; Rossi, Maurice; Piton, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: International journal of engineering systems modelling and simulation. Volume 4:Number 1/2(2012)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: vortex dynamics -- vortex merging -- helical vortices -- Navier-Stokes equations -- numerical simulation; Engineering systems -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Engineering systems -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-9758

Abstract

We herein present a direct numerical simulation method aimed at describing the dynamics of helical vortices such as those developing in the wake of propellers and wind turbine or helicopter rotors. By enforcing a helical symmetry, the 3D incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are reduced to a 2D problem which we solve using a generalised vorticity/streamfunction formulation. In this framework, we simulate the viscous dynamics of one or several helical vortices and describe quasi-steady states as well as long-time (or far-wake) dynamics. In particular, several types of merging in the two helical vortex systems are identified.