Point vortex model of the unsteady separated flow past a semi-infinite plate with transverse motion

Abstract

Two-dimensional unsteady separated flow past a semi-infinite plate with transverse motion is considered. The rolling-up of the separated shear-layer is modelled by a point vortex whose time-dependent circulation is predicted by an unsteady Kutta condition. A power-law starting flow is assumed along with a power law for the transverse motion. The effects of the motion of the plate on the starting vortex circulation and trajectory are presented. A suitable vortex shedding mechanism is introduced and a class of flows involving several vortices is presented. Finally, some possibilities for actively controlling the production of circulation by moving the plate are discussed.