The critical cross-section of a vortex (Q1805098)

The properties of inviscid axisymmetric flows are considered using the concept of critical-flow cross-sections. It has been shown that there are two types of vortex flows, A-type and B-type vortices. An A-type vortex becomes critical as its cross-sectional area increases and departs from the critical state as the cross-sectional area decreases. On the other hand, B-type vortices approach their critical flow states as their cross-section areas are decreases and depart from their critical states for increasing cross-sectional area. This property is associated with particular dependence of total pressure and circulation on the stream function, and it holds for both subcritical and supercritical vortices. Within the framework of inviscid-fluid flow theory, the type of a vortex is preserved unless vortex breakdown occurs and can be determined applying an extension of \textit{T. B. Benjamin}'s results [J. Fluid Mech. 14, 593-629 (1962; Zbl 0112.40704)] on critical flow. The condition that the first variation of the flow force with respect to the stream function should vanish yields Euler's equation of motion. Setting the second variation equal to zero leads to the equation for critical flow and, depending on the sign of the third variation, the flow represents an A-type or a B-type vortex. Making use of the presented theory, a variety of vortex phenomena is considered, including the two types of inlet vortices, the behaviour of vortex valves, the flow characteristics of liquid-fuel atomizers and the bath tub vortex.