Classification and sound generation of two-dimensional interaction of two Taylor vortices

Abstract

Two-dimensional interaction between two Taylor vortices is simulated systematically through solving the two-dimensional, unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations using a fifth order weighted essentially nonoscillatory finite difference scheme. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the mechanism of sound generation in two-dimensional interaction of two Taylor vortices. Based on an extensive parameter study on the evolution of the vorticity field, we classify the interaction of two Taylor vortices into four types. The first type is the interaction of two counter-rotating vortices with similar strengths. The second type is the interaction of two co-rotating vortices without merging. The third type is the merging of two co-rotating vortices. The fourth type is the interaction of two vortices with a large difference in their strengths or scales. The mechanism of sound generation is analyzed.