Numerical study of vortex reconnection

Abstract

With a Biot-Savart model of vortex filaments to provide initial conditions, a finite difference scheme for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is used in the region of closest approach of two vortex rings. In the Navier-Stokes solution, we see that the low pressure which develops between the interacting vorticity regions causes the distortion of the initially circular vortex cross section and forces the rearrangement of vorticity on a convective time scale which is much faster than that estimated from viscous transport.