Flow in a Viscous Trailing Vortex

Abstract

Summary The equations of motion for an isolated laminar viscous vortex at moderate to large Reynolds numbers are linearised, by assuming that both the rotational velocity and the deficit of longitudinal velocity are small compared with that in the free stream. The rotational motion and the longitudinal motion may then be superimposed and solutions are readily obtained for each. If the vortex is generated by a body with profile drag it is predicted that the deficit of longitudinal velocity will be positive, which is in agreement with experimental observation. Further details of the solution and its relation to the flow in real vortices are discussed; and the theory is compared with some measurements in a turbulent vortex.