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TURBULENCE IN FLUIDS
MSc in Mechanical/Aerospace/… Engineering

Novembro 2021

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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VORTICITY DYNAMICS
10.2 Vortex and material line stretching 285

Figure 10.14 Stretching of a vortex tube increases its enstrophy and also passes that enstrophy to
smaller scales. February 2022

Note that F (r) appears with opposite signs in (10.50) and (10.51), and that GL (r) +
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
GS (r) = !ωi ωj Sij ", as they must. Both GL (r) and GS (r) are direct consequences of the
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SUMMARY

• Vorticity vector definitions

• Vorticity theorems
• Vorticity governing equations
• Vorticity and vortices
• Vorticity and turbulence
• Problems and exercises

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity: why is it important?
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80 100 120

• Turbulent flows are ‘collection’ of eddies

• Large scale vortices responsible for mass, momentum,

heat, transfers

• Small scale vortices linked to kinetic energy dissipation

• Vortices obey simple laws

• Allow to understand, in a simple way, very complex

flows

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity: why is it important?
20 40 60
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80 100 120

• Turbulent flows effects are controlled by large scale

vortices - Examples:

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity: why is it important?
20 40 60
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80 100 120

• Turbulent flows effects are controlled by large scale

vortices - Examples:

• Tip vortices: induced drag - winglets

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity: why is it important?
20 40 60
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80 100 120

• Turbulent flows effects are controlled by large scale

vortices - Examples:

• Mixing:

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

 chamber
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Figure 11 describes supersonic speeds of velocity stream
0
Vorticity: why is it important?
20 40 at the 60
inlet port. The charge
80 in boundary
100 with cool120
wall
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surface
probe for steady-state conditions. The charge then forms
• Turbulent flows effects aare controlled
turbulent flow at theby large
center of thescale
combustion chamber
vortices - Examples: ready to be compressed. This profile experiences an
optimum degree of turbulence which is induced by inlet
ulence Intensity monitor for intake stroke flow configuration.
• Swirl vortices:
n internal combustion engine tumble flow
Flow Model at Intake Stroke of Flat Head
Without Temperature Effects
mulation for flat head piston without
ect, meaning that there is no surrounding
his condition is termed initial phase
ng initial conditions of the model. The
charge is high at inlet port and rapidly
s the chamber forming layers of dense
analysis explains the formation of rich
up. Figure 11: Relative velocity distribution within the
combustion chamber
an Journal of Technology, Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da SilvaVol. 36, No. 2, April 2017 433
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Vorticity: why is it important?
20 40 60
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80 100 120

• Turbulent flows effects are controlled by large scale

vortices - Examples:

• Toroidal Kármán vortices: periodic forces

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0 Vorticity
20 vector
40 definitions
60
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80 100 120

Definition:

Solenoidal:

∇. 𝐴⃗ = lim ∭ ∇. 𝐴𝑑𝑉 = lim ∬ 𝐴.

⃗ 𝑛𝑑𝑆
!→# !→#
(vortex tube)
∇. 𝜔 = lim ∭ ∇. 𝜔𝑑𝑉 = lim ∬ 𝜔. 𝑛𝑑𝑆 = 0
!→# !→#

Rate of expansion of vorticity is zero

(zero vorticity flux for a ‘point’ vorticity fluid ‘blob’)

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0 Vorticity
20 vector
40 definitions
60
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80 100 120

Definition:

Solenoidal:

Relation with angular velocity:

1 $% 1
𝜔. 𝑛 = lim * 𝑢& 𝑟𝑑𝜃 = = $
2𝜋𝑅𝑢& = 2Ω#
!→# 𝑆 # 𝜋𝑅
(integrating in a
circumference) Vorticity
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da = twice
Silva angular velocity
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0 Vorticity
20 vector
40 definitions
60
x/d
80 100 120

Circulation:

Relation with velocity gradient tensor:

𝜕𝑢' 1 𝜕𝑢' 𝜕𝑢( 1 𝜕𝑢' 𝜕𝑢(
= + + − =
𝜕𝑥( 2 𝜕𝑥( 𝜕𝑥' 2 𝜕𝑥( 𝜕𝑥'

𝜕𝑢' 1
= 𝑆'( + Ω'(
𝜕𝑥( 2 1 0 −𝜔* 𝜔$
Ω'( = −𝜀'() 𝜔) /2 = 𝜔* 0 −𝜔+
2 −𝜔 𝜔+ 0
$
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0 Problem:
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Analyze this flow: 𝑢+ 𝑦 = (𝑆𝑦, 𝑆𝑥, 0)

𝑢$ 𝑦 = (𝑆𝑦, −𝑆𝑥, 0)
𝑢 𝑦 = 𝑢+ 𝑦 + 𝑢$ (𝑦)

(compute the vorticity and strain fields and analyze what they mean)

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0 Vorticity
20 theorems:
40 60 80 100 120
x/d 𝑆$
Helmholtz law (part I):
𝑆*

On the tube surface (S3):

𝑆+ (vortex line)
𝜔. 𝑛 = 0

* 𝜔. 𝑛𝑑𝑆 + * 𝜔. 𝑛𝑑𝑆 = 0
!! !"

* 𝜔. 𝑛𝑑𝑆 = −Γ+
!!
(vortex tube)
* 𝜔. 𝑛𝑑𝑆 = Γ$
!" Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0 Vorticity
20 theorems:
40 60 80 100 120
x/d 𝑆$
Helmholtz law (part I):
𝑆*

Γ+ = Γ$
𝑆+ (vortex line)

Vortex tubes cannot end within the fluid:

i) Closed vortex loops
ii) Extend to infinity
iii) Intersect a wall where vorticity is zero
(vortex tube)
Circulation (for vortex tube) similar to flow rate (for streamlines)
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0 Vorticity
20 theorems:
40 60
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80 100 120

Helmholtz law (part II): Kelvin’s theorem

∇× ∇ 𝜓 = 0

Circulation is constant in an inviscid flow

(around a material line)
(the intensity of a vortex is constant in an inviscid flow)
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0 Vorticity
20 theorems:
40 60
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80 100 120

Helmholtz law (part II): Kelvin’s theorem

10.2 Vortex and material line stretching 285
(inviscid)

Figure 10.14 Stretching of a vortex tube increases its enstrophy and also passes that enstrophy to
Vortex lines are material lines: convected with local velocity
smaller scales.
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
Note that F (r) appears with opposite signs in (10.50) and (10.51), and that GL (r) +
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0 Vorticity
20 theorems:
40 60
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80 100 120

Biot-Savart law: (translation, deformation, rotation)

(concentrated vorticity)

For an infinite line vortex:

Γ
|𝑢, | 𝜁⃗ =
2𝜋𝜁
(Potential 2D flow – vortex)
𝜁⃗ Γ
𝑢& (𝑟) =
2𝜋𝑟

𝑢,

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0 Problem:
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80 100 120

Consider two-point vortices separated by a distance h:

1) What happens if/when they are co-rotating or contra-rotating?
2) Compute their mutual induced velocity.
3) Where do the tip vortices go (air or track)?

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0 Problem:
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80 100 120

Derive the vorticity transport equation:

𝐷𝑣⃗ 1
∇× = − ∇𝑝 + 𝑔⃗ + 𝜈∇$ 𝑣⃗
𝐷𝑡 𝜌

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0 Vorticity
20 governing
40 equations:
60
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80 100 120

(…)
Vorticity evolution
Dilatation stretching

Viscous
shear

baroclinic

diffusion gravity

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

 Dω
= (ω · ∇ )u + v∇ 2 ω.
y/d Dt
We might compare this with our angular momentum equation (2.26),
0 Vorticity
20 governing
40
I
equations:
Dω
60
x/d
= –ω
DI
80 100
+ 2 × (viscous torque on spherical element).
120

Dt Dt
Vorticity evolution (Newtonian, incompressible flow)
It would seem that the terms on the right of (2.31) represent: (i) the change in moment o
of a fluid element due to stretching of that element; and (ii) the viscous torque on the
In short, the vorticity of a fluid blob may change because the blob is stretched, causing
in moment of inertia, or else because the blob is spun up or slowed down by the viscous
(Figure 2.8).

(a) (b)

τ
ω
τ Ω
Ω

Enstrophy: Figure 2.8 Vorticity can change because: (a) viscous forces spin up (or spin down)
element, or (b) because the moment of inertia of that element is changed.

48 | the
Prof.equations of fluid
Carlos Bettencourt da Silva mechanics
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0 Vorticity
20 governing
40 equations:
60
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80 100 120

Vorticity production

By stretching/compression

𝜔" 𝑆"" > 0 𝜔" 𝑆"" < 0

By rotation

𝜕𝑢
𝜔! 𝜔! >0
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
𝜕𝑥
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0 Vorticity
20 governing
40 equations:
60
x/d
80 100 120

Vorticity production in an inviscid fluid

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0
Vorticity
20
governing
40
equations:
60
x/d
80 100 120

Vorticity diffusion mechanism:

𝐷𝜔 𝐷𝑇
= 𝜈∇$ 𝜔 = 𝛼∇$ 𝑇
𝐷𝑡 𝐷𝑡
(if no convection)
𝜕𝜔 𝜕𝑇
≈ 𝜈∇$ 𝜔 ≈ 𝛼∇$ 𝑇
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝜔 𝜕$𝜔 𝜕𝑇 𝜕$𝑇
=𝜈 $ =𝛼 $
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0
Vorticity
20
governing
40
equations:
60
x/d
80 100 120

Vorticity diffusion mechanism: boundary layer

𝜕𝜔 𝜕$𝜔 Δ𝜔 Δ𝜔
=𝜈 $ ∼𝜈 $ 𝛿 ∼ 𝜈𝑡
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑡 𝛿
y
ω

δ ux(y)
( )
(y

Figure 2.11 Motion ad

V impulsively started pla
+
2 $ 𝑉 𝑦$ 𝛿 = 2𝜈𝑡 +/$
𝜔 𝑦 = exp − ∂ 2T
𝜋 𝛿 4𝜈𝑡 ∂T = α 2 ; T = T0 at y = 0.
∂t ∂ySilva
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da
y/d gradients are large in the boundary layer. We interpret this as follows. Vort
the surface of the plate, just like the previous example. This diffuses out fro
1/2
0 ~ 2vt
Vorticity governing
δ 20 ( ) . Meanwhile,
40 material
60 particles are
equations: 80 being swept downstream
100 120at a s
x/d
at a distance y from the plate will first feel the influence of the plate (by gain
Vorticity
after diffusion
a time t ~ ymechanism: boundary
2 /v, by which time layera distance x ~ Vt from the
it has moved
expect the thickness of the diffusion layer to grow as δ ~ (vx/V )1/2 . Of cour
𝜕 $ 𝜔of a laminarΔ𝜔
𝜕𝜔 thickness boundaryΔ𝜔layer on a plate.
= Thus
𝜈 we $ see that ∼ 𝜈 layers
boundary are 𝛿 ∼generators
prolific 𝜈𝑡 of vorticity, an
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑡 𝛿 $
source of the vorticity in most turbulent flows. The wind gusting down a stre
because boundary layers are generated on the sides of the buildings. These

u diffusion of vorticity
V
δ
Figure 2.12 A bo
be regarded as a d
x vorticity.

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

vorticity dy
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Vorticity
20
governing
40
equations:
60
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80 100 120

Vorticity diffusion: Ossen vortex

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity
20
and vortices:
40 60
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80 100 120

Solid body rotation

Free inviscid vortex: vortex with no vorticity

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity
20
and vortices:
40 60
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80 100 120

Rankine vortex

Rankine

real
real
Rankine
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0 Problem:
20 40 60
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80 100 120

Model a tornado using a (moving) Rankine vortex:

1) Compute the circulation knowing that:

𝐷./01 = 30 m
Δ𝑝 = 𝑝234 − 𝑝 r = 15m = −2000 N/m2

2) Time for a given pressure drop to be felt

𝑈# = 25 m/s
Δ𝑝 = −500 → −2000 N/m2

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity
20
and vortices:
40 60
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80 100 120

Lamb-Ossen vortex :

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity
20
and vortices:
40 60
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80 100 120

Burgers vortex

Stationary solution

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
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80 100 120

Large-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
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80 100 120

Large-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

Large-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

Large-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

 layer for different Rex,0, it is shown that the higher Rek dient tensor (Q), which have been used for the visualization
cases show lower momentum thickness (Tanahashi et al.,
y/d of small-scale structures, are shown in Fig. 3. Note that dis-
2001). According to this result, in the present study, the tinct large Kelvin–Helmholtz rollers cannot be visualized
higher Rek of spatially-developing mixing layer might be by the second invariant of velocity gradient tensor because
0
Vorticity and turbulence:
caused by its lower20momentum thickness
that of the temporal case.
40 compared with 60
x/d
rotation rate of 80
those is lower than100 120
that of streamwise vor-
tices (rib structures) or fine scale eddies. Due to the Kelvin–
Fig. 1c shows the development of turbulent energy dissi- Helmholtz instability, large-scale roller structures roll-up
Large-scale vortices: examples
pation rate (e) at the center of the shear layer. In the and merge into larger structures, and lots of tube-like fine

Large-scale vortices: Fig.

low pressure iso-surfaces in a mixing layer
2. Iso-surfaces of pressure at p = "0.05.

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

1284
Small-scale vortices: examples
Y. Wang et al. / Int. J. Heat and Fluid Flow 28 (2007) 1280–1290

Small-scale vortices: high vorticity regions

Fig. 3. Iso-surfaces of the second invariant of the velocity gradient tensor at Q = 0.15.

scale structures appear simultaneously. In the downstream (e) Point that has small variance in azimuthal velocity
region, the observed diameters of the tube-like structures compared with surroundings is determined. If the azi-
become small and their number density becomes high. In muthal velocities at r = 1/5 computational grid width
addition, from the iso-surfaces of the pressure, several rib show same sign for all h, that point is identified as the
vortices are observed in the upstream braid region, while center of the swirling motion.
the rib vortices disappear in the downstream
Prof.braid region.
Carlos (f) Statistical
Bettencourt da Silvaproperties are calculated around the point.
It is indicated that the intensity of rib vortices becomes (g) Steps (d)–(f) are conducted for all points determined
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Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

Small-scale vortices:
Y. Wang et examples
al. / Int. J. Heat and Fluid Flow 28 (2007) 1280–1290 1285

Fig. 4. Spatial distributions of rotation axes of coherent fine scale eddy in the process of the laminar–turbulent transition (10 6 x/K 6 22).
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

Small-scale vortices:
Y. Wang et examples
al. / Int. J. Heat and Fluid Flow 28 (2007) 1280–1290 1285

Vortex stretching

Fig. 4. Spatial distributions of rotation axes of coherent fine scale eddy in the process of the laminar–turbulent transition (10 6 x/K 6 22).
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva
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0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100
Fig. 4. Spatial distributions of rotation axes of coherent fine scale eddy in the process of the laminar–turbulent transition (10 6 x/K 6 22).
120

Small-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120
tube-like structures, which are displayed in the figure bellow (figure 4.7).
Small-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

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Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
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80 100 120

Small-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

Small-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
x/d
80 100 120

Small-scale vortices: examples

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0
Vorticity
20
and turbulence:
40 60
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80 100 120

Small-scale vortices: examples

101
Reλ = 90
Reλ = 148
100 Reλ = 191
Reλ = 242
Reλ = 314
10−1 Reλ = 292
Reλ = 399
10−2

10−3

10−4
0 1 2 3 4
Prof. Carlos Bettencourt
Rivs /RB da Silva
y/d

PROBLEM:
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x/d

• Use the velocity signal in the website of this course

(below are the first 1000 samples only – it has near 2 million)
and compute the mean value and mean kinetic energy per
unit mass
1875000 ---> maxdata: number of samples
1.48D-5 ---> nu: fluid kinematic viscosity
(m^2/s)
62.5 ---> aquisition frequency (kHz)

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

PROBLEM:
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
x/d

• Use the velocity signal in the website of this course

(below are the first 1000 samples only – it has near 2 million)
and compute the mean velocity

1875000 ---> maxdata: number of samples

1.48D-5 ---> nu: fluid kinematic viscosity
(m^2/s)
62.5 ---> aquisition frequency (kHz)

'
1
𝑢1 = 5 𝑢 𝑡 = 22,83 (m/s)
𝑁
$%&

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva

y/d

0
IN TODAY’s LECTURE
20 40 60
x/d
80 100 120

• Vorticity dynamics
• Vortices
• Vorticity and turbulence

BIBLIOGRAPHY :
- F. Nieuwstadt, Turbulence: 8.1
- P. Davidson, Turbulence: 2.3

Prof. Carlos Bettencourt da Silva