EDUCATION OF SWIRLING STRUCTURE USING THE VELOCITY-GRADIENT TENSOR

In this paper we propose a technique for locating swirling regions of a flowfield. The technique is based on the eigenvalues of the velocity gradient tensor. We how that regions of swirling flow are characterized by complex eigenvalues for a constant velocity gradient tensor. Using results obtained in this analysis, we define an approximate parameter to indicate the tendency for the fluid to swirl about the point in question. The technique is illustrated by application to several two- and three-dimensional flowfields. In addition, the basic ideas contained here suggest the existence of a fluid property that we have termed intrinsic swirl. This new property may also be useful for control of fluid motion in many practical problems.