Flowfield Produced by a Vortex Ring Near a Plane Wall

Abstract

Experimental studies were carried out on the flowfield produced by a vortex ring approaching a plane wall perpendicular to its axis of symmetry, using smoke visualization technique. The mechanism of rebound of a vortex ring from the wall is shown to be related to generation of a shear layer separated from the wall and its subsequent development. The effects of Reynolds numbers on the trajectory of the core center of a vortex ring were also examined. Growth of the separated shear layer and generation of the secondary vortex ring due to vorticity concentration in the separated shear layer were visualized in detail.