Hairpin Vortex Solution in Planar Couette Flow: A Tapestry of Knotted Vortices

Tomoaki Itano and Sotos C. Generalis
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 114501 – Published 19 March 2009

Abstract

A numerical continuation method has been carried out seeking solutions for two distinct flow configurations, planar Couette flow (PCF) and laterally heated flow in a vertical slot (LHF). We found that the spanwise vortex solution in LHF identifies a new solution in PCF. The vortical structure of our new solution has the shape of a hairpin observed ubiquitously in high-Reynolds-number turbulent flow, and we believe this discovery may provide the paradigm for a hierarchical organization of coherent structures in turbulent shear layers.

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  • Received 20 August 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.114501

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Tomoaki Itano

  • Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering Science, Kansai University, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan

Sotos C. Generalis

  • School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Division of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Aston University, United Kingdom

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Issue

Vol. 102, Iss. 11 — 20 March 2009

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