The Merging of Isolated Lenses.
Abstract
Interaction of two isolated lens-like eddies is examined with the aid of an inviscid nonlinear model. The barotropic layer in which the lenses are embedded is infinitely deep so that there is no interaction between the eddies unless their edges touch each other. It is assumed that the latter is brought about by a mean flow which relaxes after pushing the eddies against each other and forming a 'figure eight' structure. Using arguments based on continuity and conservation of energy along the eddies edge it is shown that, once a 'figure eight' shape is established, intrusions along the eddies' peripheries are generated. These intrusions resemble 'arms' or 'tentacles' and their structure gives the impression that one vortex is 'hugging' the other. As time goes on the tentacles become longer and longer and, ultimately, the eddies are entirely converted into very long spiral-like tentacles. These spiraled tentacles are adjacent to each other so that the final result is a single vortex containing the fluid of two parent eddies. Because of the inherent nonlinearity and the fact that the problem is three dimensional (x, y, t), the complete details of the above process cannot be described analytically. It is, however, possible to show analytically that the intrusions and tentacles are inevitable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA181561
Entities
People
- Doron Nof
Organizations
- Florida State University