Numerical simulation of plane mixing layer by three-dimensional vortex method

This study is devoted to the numerical simulation of a plane mixing layer by the three-dimensional vortex method. The vorticity field is discretized by vortex elements, and the behavior of vortex element is computed through the Lagrangian approach. The two-dimensional large-scale eddies are calculated at the region slightly downstream of the splitter plate. The axis for each eddy deforms with increasing streamwise distance, and the three-dimensional vortical structure appears. The developing process of the mixing layer is successfully captured. The simulated flow field is in the self-preservation state, and the mean velocity and the fluctuating velocity agree nearly with the measurement. It is found that the vortex method is indeed applicable to the analysis of the mixing layer.