Vortex dynamics and baroclinically forced inhomogeneous turbulence for shock—planar heavy curtain interactions

Abstract

We consider the laminar and turbulent evolution of a heavy curtain (fast/slow/fast environment) following interaction with a planar shock. These simulations in two and three dimensions are a generalization and extension of our work on evolutions of a light helium planar curtain (slow/fast/slow environment). Under the visiometrics mode of working, we observe and quantify many generic phenomena in shock accelerated inhomogeneous flows (AIFs), e.g. the formation of opposite-signed vortex bilayers (VBLs) and the generation of vortex projectiles (VPs). Scaling laws are developed for variations of circulation and enstrophy with Mach and Atwood numbers. The recent observation of the monotonic growth of positive and negative circulation by secondary baroclinic processes is investigated in detail. Intermediate- to late-time turbulent states are studied with energy and enstrophy decay and power spectra. Three-dimensional simulations exhibit strong enstrophy growth at intermediate times; this arises from intrinsic baroclinic forcing in addition to vortex stretching.