Instability of co-rotating vertical vortices in a stratified fluid

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

We show numerically, theoretically and experimentally that two co-rotating vertical vortices in a stably stratified fluid are subjected to a new three-dimensional similar to the zigzag instability observed on counter-rotating vortices (Billant & Chomaz, 2000). This zigzag instability induces the formation of thin horizontal layers with a thickness inversely proportional to the Brunt-Väisälä frequency. This three-dimensional instability is believed to make stratified turbulence depart from two-dimensional turbulence since it alters the merging of vortices.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIUTAM Symposium on Elementary Vortices and Coherent Structures
Subtitle of host publicationSignificance in Turbulence Dynamicsa
PublisherKluwer Academic Publishers
Pages219-224
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781402041808
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2006

Publication series

NameFluid Mechanics and its Applications
Volume79
ISSN (Print)0926-5112

Keywords

  • Layers
  • Merging
  • Stratification
  • Three-dimensional instability
  • Vortex

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