Effects of mean shear on the vortex identification and the orientation statistics

Abstract

This work compares the threshold applied to the swirling strength as well as the vortex orientation statistics in the total and fluctuating velocity fields using direct numerical simulations of compressible and incompressible turbulent channel flows. It is concluded that the difference in the swirling strength for vortex identification is minimal in the logarithmic region such that these two situations share the same threshold. Regarding the vortex orientation, the inclination angle remains similar. However, as the wall-normal distance increases, a more and more obvious distinction is noticed for its orientation with respect to the spanwise (z) direction. It is mainly due to their intrinsic differences and attendant contrasting preference for the vortex identification, i.e., vortices rotating in the −z direction for the total velocity field and in the z direction for the fluctuating one. These observations function as a reasonable explanation for various remarks in previous studies.

Keywords

• Vortex
• Compressible wall-bounded turbulence
• Turbulence structure
• Channel flows