Streamlines, vorticity lines, and vortices around three-dimensional bodies

Abstract

The properties of three-dimensional, steady, vortical flows are studied using both theoretical analysis and computed flowfields. The centerline of the vortex is described using minimum streamline curvature, maximum normalized helicity, and the edge of a separation sheet. Analysis indicates that several criteria must be met for these three descriptions of the centerline to agree. In certain regions of the flow, computed flowfields indicate that they do agree, that the velocity and vorticity fields are aligned at the centerline, and that extrema in the velocity magnitude, vorticity magnitude, pressure, and density occur at the centerline