Vortex: Difference between revisions

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A '''vortex''' is a spiraling motion of material particles around a common center of rotation. Vortices are one of the most important research areas in [[fluid dynamics]]. This comes mainly from two facts. First, vortices have a great impact on the development of a flow in many cases. Second, although a colloquioal definition (as above) can be given, there exists no exact mathematical definition of a vortex, its extent or even its center. Thus, finding vortices is challenging an no method fitting for all situation exists.
A '''vortex''' is a spiraling motion of material particles around a common center of rotation. Vortices are one of the most important research areas in [[fluid dynamics]]. This comes mainly from two facts. First, vortices have a great impact on the development of a flow in many cases. Second, although a colloquial definition (as above) can be given, there exists no exact mathematical definition of a vortex, its extent or even its center. Thus, finding vortices is challenging and no method fitting for all situations exists.


==Examples==
==Examples==
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*[[Tornado]]
*[[Tornado]]
*[[Hurricane]]
*[[Hurricane]]
*Wake vortex created at the tip of the wing of an aircraft
*Wake vortex created at the tip of a wing of an aircraft
*Swirling water that runs thorugh the drain of a basin
*Swirling water that runs through the drain of a basin


== References ==
== References ==
* Hans J. Lugt, 1996. Introduction to Vortex Theory. Vortex Flow Press, Potomac, Maryland.
* Hans J. Lugt, 1996. Introduction to Vortex Theory. Vortex Flow Press, Potomac, Maryland.

Revision as of 16:14, 17 February 2007

A vortex is a spiraling motion of material particles around a common center of rotation. Vortices are one of the most important research areas in fluid dynamics. This comes mainly from two facts. First, vortices have a great impact on the development of a flow in many cases. Second, although a colloquial definition (as above) can be given, there exists no exact mathematical definition of a vortex, its extent or even its center. Thus, finding vortices is challenging and no method fitting for all situations exists.

Examples

Vortices in nature:

  • Tornado
  • Hurricane
  • Wake vortex created at the tip of a wing of an aircraft
  • Swirling water that runs through the drain of a basin

References

  • Hans J. Lugt, 1996. Introduction to Vortex Theory. Vortex Flow Press, Potomac, Maryland.