The objectives of this SIG are to bring together the competence of the scientific communities of swirling flows, vortex instabilities and rotating flows in the domain of internal and external aerodynamics. The expected benefits from this ensemble of competence will focus on a better understanding of the instability mechanisms related to the formation of the vortex structures occurring in this kind of flows, by a triple approach: theoretical, experimental and numerical. This SIG has strong links with industrial partners in the above topics.
Concerning rotation in geophysical flows, the present SIG investigates the occurrence of different kinds of columnar vortices in the atmosphere, and in particular examples of atmospheric tornados. The most essential properties of atmospheric tornados can be investigated in laboratory experiments. Furthermore, analytical investigations of individual and multiple helical vortex filaments where for instance Kapteyn’s series representations are carried out. By means of a stability analysis, one could distinguish between right- and left-handed helical symmetry.
Furthermore, the present SIG is concerned by investigation of three-dimensional effects in free shear flows. These included experimental studies on three-dimensional shear layers (University of Arizona, USA) using hot-wire anemometry and particle image velocimetry and computational studies of laminar and turbulent vortex shedding behind circular cylinders with wall rotation (IMFT Toulouse, France) and with cellular shedding (NTNU Trondheim, Norway).
The present SIG aims at sterring swirling flow research at European level and at organising mini-symposia that conclude with a plenary discussion on the fundamental and practical importance of swirling flows. It is generally agreed by the SIG participants that a yearly meeting of the steering committee of the SIG, together with a symposium every second year, would be appropriate in order to stimulate and coordinate swirling flows activities.
no news in this list.