Theoretical and experimental studies of slender vortex filaments (Q1893688)

The asymptotic solution describing a single vortex filament requires initial data on the centerline and on the core structure. Because these data are usually not available from experiment, it is difficult to compare theoretical predictions with experimental results. An approach to avoid this difficulty is proposed. It is stated that when viscous diffusion time \(t_d\) of the core is of the order of the duration \(t^*\) of the experiment, the contribution of the core structure to the filament can be defined by a finite number of parameters. These parameters can be determined by comparing theoretical predictions of the motion of the centerline with experimental data and can be then applied for calibrating the vortex generator in the experimental set. In the inviscid limit when \(t^* \ll t_d\), the formulae for the contributions of the core structure to the filament velocity are also derived, and it is shown that they depend only on two initial data. The obtained analytical solution can be used to model the interaction of filaments with or without boundaries or interfaces, and to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data.