Topology of Three-Dimensional, Variable Density Flows

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the interpretation of unsteady, variable - density flow fields. The topology of the flow is determined by finding critical points and identifying the character of local solution trajectories. The time evolution of the flow is studied by following the paths of the critical points in the three-dimensional space of invariants of the local deformations tensor. The methodology can be applied to any smooth vector field and its associated gradient tensor including the vorticity and pressure gradient fields. This approach provides a framework for describing the geometry of complex flow patterns. Concisely summarizing that geometry in the space of invariants of the local gradient tensor may be a useful way of gaining insight into time - dependent processes described by large computational data bases. Applications to the descriptions of a flickering diffusion flame and a compressible wake are discussed. (KR)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA218469

Entities

People

  • Brian Cantwel
  • Gregory Lewis
  • Jacqueline Chen

Organizations

  • Stanford University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Buoyancy
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Diffusion
  • Flow
  • Flow Fields
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Geometry
  • Mach Number
  • Particles
  • Personal Information Managers
  • Pressure Gradients
  • Reynolds Number
  • Stratified Fluids
  • Three Dimensional
  • Topology
  • Universities

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Graph Algorithms and Convex Optimization.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster