Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-x24gv Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-30T21:06:35.287Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A vortex in an infinite viscous fluid

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2006

Robert R. Long
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanics, The Johns Hopkins University

Abstract

A solution is given for a viscous vortex in an infinite liquid. Similarity arguments lead to a reduction of the equations of motion to a set of ordinary differential equations. These are integrated numerically. A uniform feature is the constant circulation K outside the vortex core, which is also a viscous boundary layer. The circulation decreases monotonically towards the axis. The axial velocity profiles and the radial velocity profiles have several characteristic shapes, depending on the value of the non-dimensional momentum transfer M. The solution has a singular point on the axis of the vortex. The radius of the core increases linearly with distance along the axis from the singularity, and, at a given distance, is proportional to the coefficient of viscosity and inversely proportional to K.

Finally, a discussion is given to indicate that intense vortices above a plate, like the confined experimental vortex, or above the ground, like the atmospheric tornado and dust whirl, will not resemble the theoretical vortex except, possibly, far above the plate.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1961 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Fox, L. 1957 Two-point Boundary Problems. Oxford University Press.
Lewis, W. & Perkins, P. J. 1953 Recorded pressure distribution in the outer portion of a tornado vortex. Monthly Weather Review, 81, 379.Google Scholar
Long, R. R. 1958 Vortex motion in a viscous fluid. J. Meteor, 15, 108.Google Scholar
Long, R. R. 1956 Sources and sink at the axis of a rotating liquid. Quart. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 9, 385.Google Scholar