Single Vortex Structure Research Articles

Revealing the three-dimensional arrangement of polar topology in nanoparticles

In the early 2000s, low dimensional ferroelectric systems were predicted to have topologically nontrivial polar structures, such as vortices or skyrmions, depending on mechanical or electrical boundary conditions. A few variants of these structures have been experimentally observed in thin film model systems, where they are engineered by balancing electrostatic charge and elastic distortion energies. However, the measurement and classification of topological textures for general ferroelectric nanostructures have remained elusive, as it requires mapping the local polarization at the atomic scale in three dimensions. Here we unveil topological polar structures in ferroelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles via atomic electron tomography, which enables us to reconstruct the full three-dimensional arrangement of cation atoms at an individual atom level. Our three-dimensional polarization maps reveal clear topological orderings, along with evidence of size-dependent topological transitions from a single vortex structure to multiple vortices, consistent with theoretical predictions. The discovery of the predicted topological polar ordering in nanoscale ferroelectrics, independent of epitaxial strain, widens the research perspective and offers potential for practical applications utilizing contact-free switchable toroidal moments.

Numerical simulation of a double helix vortex structure in a tangential chamber

The paper investigates the flow structure in a tangential vortex chamber based on numerical simulation of unsteady turbulent flow by the LES method. The swirl flow in a cylindrical chamber was organized using 12 nozzles, supplying the flow tangentially. Three regimes were considered with different design swirl number S = 5.78, 8.67, and 17.34, which was varied by closing one or two nozzle rows. The unsteady computation shows the formation of a rotating double helix vortex structure in the regimes with S equal to 8.67 and 17.34, which is also verified by experimental observations. Several recirculation zones were formed in the tangential chamber near its axis, as well as along the wall at the lower part, and on the axis near the top lid. A dominant frequency was observed in the pressure pulsation spectrum, which increased with increasing swirl parameter, and for the S = 8.67 regime, it was approximately twice the rotational frequency of the double helix structure. In the course of rotation of the double helix structure, the vorticity redistributed between its branches from an approximately symmetric pattern and up to approaching a single-vortex structure at certain points in time.

Vortex-based soft magnetic composite with ultrastable permeability up to gigahertz frequencies

Soft magnetic materials with stable permeability up to hundreds of megahertz (MHz) are urgently needed for integrated transformers and inductors, which are crucial in the more-than-Moore era. However, traditional frequency-stable soft magnetic ferrites suffer from low saturation magnetization and temperature instability, making them unsuitable for integrated circuits. Herein, we fabricate a frequency-stable soft magnetic composite featuring a magnetic vortex structure via cold-sintering, where ultrafine FeSiAl particles are magnetically isolated and covalently bonded by Al2SiO5/SiO2/Fe2(MoO4)3 multilayered heterostructure. This construction results in an ultrastable permeability of 13 up to 1 gigahertz (GHz), relatively large saturation magnetization of 105 Am2/kg and low coercivity of 48 A/m, which we ascribe to the elimination of domain walls associated with almost uniform single-vortex structures, as observed by Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and reconstructed by micromagnetic simulation. Moreover, the ultimate compressive strength has been simultaneously increased up to 337.1 MPa attributed to the epitaxially grown interfaces between particles. This study deepens our understanding on the characteristics of magnetic vortices and provides alternative concept for designing integrated magnetic devices.

Inlet static pressure ratio effect on vortex structure downstream of the flameholder in subsonic–supersonic mixing flow

The flow field characteristics downstream of the evaporative flameholder in the subsonic–supersonic mixing flow were experimentally investigated. The study focused on examining the effects of different inlet static pressure ratios characterized by supersonic and subsonic flow parameters. The results indicated that the increase in the static pressure ratio enhanced the fragmentation of the multiple vortices downstream of the flameholder located in the subsonic mainstream. It also exacerbated the asymmetry in the recirculation zone downstream of the flameholder and strengthened the tendency of the fluid to flow from one vortex to another. The regions with higher vorticity were mainly concentrated in the subsonic–supersonic shear layer between the subsonic and supersonic mainstream and the subsonic–subsonic shear layer region downstream of the flameholder. Furthermore, an increase in the static pressure ratio widened the range of peak distribution while reducing the magnitude of the peaks. The recirculation zone downstream of the flameholder exhibited four distinct changes in the vortex structure as the static pressure ratio increased from 1.07 to 1.96. These typical changes in the vortex structure observed are as follows: asymmetric dual-vortex structure, single vortex structure (away from the supersonic mainstream region), asymmetric dual-vortex structure, and single vortex structure (near the supersonic mainstream region).

Cooling fan aerodynamic noise reduction with short inlet duct and its applicability

This paper presents experimental and numerical analyses of the noise-reduction method of applying short inlet ducts to axial-flow cooling fans. Far-field noise tests of three different-sized cooling fans with tip Mach numbers of 0.143, 0.156, and 0.174 demonstrated that tonal noise was the primary source of aerodynamic noise. Through the installation of short inlet ducts on these fans, the upstream propagation of tonal noise was reduced. The average total sound pressure levels were decreased by up to 3.5, 4.8, and 7.1 dBA, respectively. At the blade passing frequency, the dominant upstream-propagating azimuthal acoustic modes were suppressed. Full-passage unsteady computational fluid dynamics calculations revealed that the duct transforms multiple suction vortices into a single annular vortex structure and weakens the interaction with the rotor blades. In addition, the acoustic analogy was used to compute the reduction of far-field noise and the variations in the major acoustic modes. This revealed a noise-reduction trend similar to that seen in the experiments. Essentially, the duct restrains the non-uniform inlet flow to influence the various inlet–rotor–stator interaction modes. The application of this approach to various fan configurations confirmed that a duct with a parameter of L/D (duct length/duct inner diameter) equal to 0.08 can be recommended as a compact and efficient way to reduce noise.

Numerical investigation of solar impacts on canyon vortices and its dynamical generation mechanism

With the booming concerns over urban heat island phenomenon, impacts of solar radiation on flow and temperature in street canyons have been revealed by some experimental and numerical investigations, where amplified single-vortex structures are found in shallow canyons in high-Re scenarios (Re ~ 107). Canyon surfaces are heated mainly by absorbing solar radiation, and street air is warmed primarily through thermal exchange with canyon surfaces. Most previous publications focus on simulations of flow regimes, pollutant dispersion and thermal comfort in canyon's microenvironments, while dynamical investigations on vortex genesis are vague and mostly emphasize analysis of dimensionless numbers. This research will theoretically explore the impacts of solar radiation on vortex genesis over idealized two-dimensional urban canyons by coupling k-ε turbulence model and P-1 radiation model. A possible dynamical mechanism of canyon-vortex generation will be introduced based on baroclinic vortex generation theory. Result shows that, the activity of wind shear (momentum field) and buoyancy imbalance (thermal field) are mutual, and their activation have a prerequisite of low vertical wind-speed environment. Signal of disturbance wind shear is critical for main vortex maintenance and the genesis of secondary or corner vortices. This mechanism has been proved both by our steady- and unsteady-RANS simulation.

Numerical Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer over a Shallow Cavity: Effect of Cavity Height Ratio

Flow over shallow cavities is used to model the flow field and heat transfer in a solar collector and a variety of engineering applications. Many studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effect of cavity aspect ratio (AR), but very few studies have been carried out to investigate the effect of cavity height ratio (HR) on shallow cavity flow behavior. In this paper, flow field structure and heat transfer within the 3-D shallow cavity are obtained numerically for two height ratio categories: HR = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 and HR = 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, and 2.5. The governing equations, continuity, momentum, and energy are solved numerically and using the standard (K-ε) turbulence model. ANSYS FLUENT 14 CFD code is used to perform the numerical simulation based on the finite volume method. In this study, the cavity aspect ratio, AR = 5.0, and Reynolds number, Re = 3 × 105, parameters are fixed. The cavity’s bottom wall is heated with a constant and uniform heat flux (q = 740 W/m2), while the other walls are assumed to be adiabatic. For the current Reynolds number and cavity geometry, a single vortex structure (recirculation region) is formed and occupies most of the cavity volume. The shape and location of the vortex differ according to the height ratio. A reverse velocity profile across the recirculation region near the cavity’s bottom wall is shown at all cavity height ratios. Streamlines and temperature contours on the plane of symmetry and cavity bottom wall are displayed. Local static pressure coefficient and Nusselt number profiles are obtained along the cavity’s bottom wall, and the average Nusselt number for various height ratios is established. The cavity height ratio (HR) is an important geometry parameter in shallow cavities, and it plays a significant role in the cavity flow behavior and heat transfer characteristics. The results indicate interesting flow dynamics based on height ratio (HR), which includes a minimal value in average Nusselt number for HR ≈ 1.75 and spatial transitions in local Nusselt number distribution along the bottom wall for different HRs.

Investigating Effect of Strain and Geometric Defects on Single Polarization Vortex in PbTiO3 Nanowires

The single polarization vortex structure in nanowire can be used to store binary data in Non-Volatile Ferroelectric Random Access Memories (NVFRAM or FRAM). However, at the nanoscale, mechanical strains or geometry defects (cracks) can affect the polarization vortex and they are one of the reasons to reduce the service life as well as the reliability of the device. In this study, the atomic simulation method using the interactive potential function based on the core-shell model is selected to investigate the effects of strain, cracks and domain wall deviations (DW) on the single polarization vortex in PbTiO3 (PTO) nanowires. The results obtained showed that the polarization vortex can appear or disappear depending on the position and size of the crack. Deviations in the DW position make the polarization vortex change the size and shape. Besides, the magnitude of the vortex investigated increases under tension strain and decreases under compression strain. Especially, in large compression strain (10%), the vortex can be disappeared.

Numerical investigations of wind and thermal environment in 2D scaled street canyons with various aspect ratios and solar wall heating

Optimizing urban ventilation is an effective way to improve urban air quality and thermal environment. For this purpose, under the validation of wind-tunnel experiments, flow regimes and micro thermal environment in typical reduced-canyon models with aspect ratios (AR) of 1.1, 2.4, 4 and 5.67 were investigated by CFD simulations using periodic boundary condition. ANSYS Fluent 15.0 with a solar ray tracing model and radiation model was performed to numerically study turbulence characteristics with wind-driven force and solar-heating conditions.Results revealed that, with wind-driven condition, a clockwise vortex existed in normal and deep street canyon (AR = 1.1 and 2.4) while two counter-rotating vortices appeared in extremely deep canyon (AR = 4 and 5.67). Moreover, different turbulence structures and air temperature distribution existed in canyons with different solar-heating conditions. When the leeward wall or ground was heated, the pedestrian-level velocity increased and street ventilation was strengthened compared to wind-driven condition for all AR values. Particularly, the single main vortex was strengthened (AR = 1.1 and 2.4), and the two-vortex structure in extremely deep canyons (AR = 4 and 5.67) changed to single-vortex structure. When the windward wall was heated, the clockwise main vortex at AR = 1.1 and 2.4 was deformed, and a new sub vortex gradually appeared near street bottom. Furthermore, at AR = 4 and 5.67, windward solar heating destroyed the two-vortex structure and slightly improved pollutant dilution capacity. This work implied that extremely deep street design with weak pedestrian-level ventilation should be avoided. It also provides a meaningful reference for urban planning.

Effect of triangular roof angle on dispersion of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter.

The Euler-Lagrangian method is adopted to simulate the dispersion of gaseous pollutants and particulate matter (PM) in isolated street canyons, and the influences of the roof angle on the flow structures and distributions of gaseous pollutants and PM are analyzed in detail. Numerical simulation results indicate that gaseous pollutants and PM in the canyons present three typical single main clockwise vortex, transition vortex, and double vortex structures, which are identified at increasing roof slopes. Gaseous pollutants and PM demonstrate the lowest concentration of pollutants when a single vortex structure exists. The concentration of gaseous pollutants and PM reaches the highest value in pedestrian-level areas when the flow field is in a transitional vortex structure. Unlike gaseous pollutants, the concentration of PM does not always decrease with increasing altitude, and higher PM concentrations sometimes occur in the mid-level areas of the canyon. A small roof incline angle is generally recommended for discharging gaseous pollutants and PM.

Numerical Simulation of Inverse Diffusion Combustion and Flow Characteristics in a Trapped Vortex Combustor

In this work, the cold and combustion flow characteristics of a trapped vortex combustor with inverse diffusion combustion method have been studied numerically, and the effects of four jet arrangement schemes on the vortex structure, temperature distribution, turbulence kinetic energy, OH mass fraction and combustion efficiency were compared. The results indicate that the vortex structures in cold state are basically the same with a double vortex structure for all the jet schemes. However, when the jet holes are arranged on the after-body wall, the vortex changes from a double vortex structure in cold state to a single vortex structure in combustion state, the combustion effect is not too large when the jet holes are arranged on the fore-body wall. The high-temperature distribution in cavity is mainly concentrated in the upper part, but when the jet holes are arranged on the after-body wall, the OH mass fraction distribution is higher than that when the jet holes are arranged on the fore-body wall. In addition, when the jet holes are arranged on the fore-body wall, complete combustion can be accelerated. In general, when the jet holes are arranged in the same position, the multi-jet scheme is more conducive to flame stability in cavity and the improvement of combustion and mixing performance than the coaxial jet.

A new method for extracting spanwise vortex from 2D particle image velocimetry data in open-channel flow

Abstract The two-dimensional particle image velocimetry (PIV) data are inevitably contaminated by noise due to various imperfections in instrumentation or algorithm, based on which the well-established vortex identification methods often yield noise or incomplete vortex structure with a jagged boundary. To make up this deficiency, a novel method was proposed in this paper and the efficiency of the new method was demonstrated by its applications in extracting the two-dimensional spanwise vortex structures from 2D PIV data in open-channel flows. The new method takes up a single vortex structure by combining model matching and vorticity filtering, and successfully locates the vortex core and draws a streamlined vortex boundary. The new method shows promise as being more effective than commonly used schemes in open-channel flow applications.

Inclining and aerodynamically contouring a scramjet cavity's upstream wall

This paper numerically examines methods to modify the upstream wall of cavities within scramjet combustors. The prevailing geometrical features of cavities have remained unchanged since 1957, when the baseline cavity operated in subsonic flows. The rapid expansion experienced over the front wall (a rear-facing step) produces a low-pressure region and accompanying base drag, while the two-vortex structure has only the larger contributing to mixing. The current work examines four new cavity profiles, substituting the rear-facing step for ramps (inclined at 45 and 22.5 deg), or streamtracing it to aerodynamically conform with the primary vortex. Examined in Mach 8 combustor flows, unfuelled flow fields see complete removal of the secondary vortex. A 45 deg ramp angle ensured immediate boundary layer separation. While all cases exhibited reduced drag due to increased pressure loads upon the front wall, combining streamtracing with the ramped profiles provided drag reductions of 12%. Ethylene-fuelled cases exhibited drag reductions to 6.6% for the 45 deg ramp. The stronger single-vortex structure displayed universally improved mixing, with improvements to 16.8%. The 22.5 deg ramp suffered reduced mixing, owing to the shortened residence time experienced. Hence, a minimum front wall angle likely exists. Within lower Mach number flows, universal drag reductions for the unfuelled and fuelled cases were realised, while mixing was comparable amongst most cases. Aerodynamic contouring may hence become more necessary as flight speeds reach Mach 8.

Flow structure of the entrance of a T-junction duct without/with a circular cylinder

The flow characteristics of the trailing edge of vertical vanes installed at the intersection of a T-junction duct were experimentally investigated using particle image velocimetry. The measured velocity field in the branch duct with/without single circular cylinder was studied under different cross velocities and velocity ratios. Additionally, the effect of the locations of cylinder on the flow field was discussed. The positive velocity region, the unsteady flow region and the trailing edge flow region of the vane, have been observed. The positive velocity region existed in almost one half of the measured area. As for the unsteady flow region, the unstable double-vortex structure transformed into a single-vortex structure as the velocity ratio increased. As for the trailing edge flow region of the vanes, the vortex streets could be visualised. Furthermore, the location of cylinder has revealed significant influence on the flow distributions in the trailing edge flow regions of the vanes. The flow structure without cylinder in the measured area is dependent on combinations of the cross velocity and velocity ratio, whereas that with cylinder is dependent on the velocity ratio. The vorticity fields were analysed in each region, and the velocity components revealed the cause of airflow trajectory.

Characterisation of flame surface annihilation events in self excited interacting flames

This paper investigates the non-linear flame dynamics of two interacting, premixed, V-shaped flames by characterising the two-dimensional topology of flame annihilation events when the separation distance, S, between them is reduced and large-scale flame merging occurs. The equivalence ratio was varied to promote self-excited oscillations, with the oscillation frequency, heat release phase, and stability limits shown to be dependent on S. High-speed OH-PLIF measurements show that these changes are correlated with the break-up of the shear layers into structures that lead to large-scale flame annihilation events. In isolated flames the shear layers break-up independently, but as S is reduced the shear layers combine leading to large-scale flame merging resulting in the roll up of a single large-scale vortex structure altering the flame annihilation events compared with the case of isolated flames. A flame front event tracking algorithm is developed to characterise the two-dimensional topology and identify the number and spatial location of flame front annihilation events, which shows a strong correlation between these events and the fluctuating heat release rate. Compared with stable flames for the same S, it is found that self-excited instabilities do not significantly increase the number of annihilation events but rather affects their spatial distribution and phase within the oscillation cycle. It is also shown that flame merging significantly increases the probability of flame front annihilation events which alters the phase of the fluctuating heat release rate.

Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Winglets on the Tip Vortex Behavior of a Model Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Using Particle Image Velocimetry

This study presents an experimental investigation on the effects of winglets on the near wake flow around the tip region and on the tip vortex characteristics downstream of a 0.94 m diameter three-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) rotor. Phase-locked 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements are performed with and without winglets covering 120 deg of azimuthal progression of the rotor. The impact of using winglets on the flow field near the wake boundary as well as on the tip vortex characteristics such as the vortex convection, vortex core size, and core expansion as well as the resultant induced drag on the rotor are investigated. Results show that winglets initially generate an asymmetric co-rotating vortex pair, which eventually merge together after about ten tip chords downstream to create a single but nonuniform vortex structure. Mutual induction of the initial double vortex structure causes a faster downstream convection and a radially outward motion of tip vortices compared to the baseline case. The wake boundary is shifted radially outward, velocity gradients are diffused, and vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy levels are significantly reduced across the wake boundary. The tip vortex core sizes are three times as big compared to those of the baseline case, and within the vortex core, vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy levels are reduced more than 50%. Results show consistency with various vortex core and expansion models albeit with adjusted model coefficients for the winglet case. The estimated induced drag reduction is about 15% when winglets are implemented.

The Vortex State in Geologic Materials: A Micromagnetic Perspective

AbstractA wide variety of Earth and planetary materials are very good recorders of paleomagnetic information. However, most magnetic grains in these materials are not in the stable single domain grain size range but are larger and in nonuniform vortex magnetization states. We provide a detailed account of vortex phenomena in geologic materials by simulating first‐order reversal curves (FORCs) via finite‐element micromagnetic modeling of magnetite nanoparticles with realistic morphologies. The particles have been reconstructed from focused ion beam nanotomography of magnetite‐bearing obsidian and accommodate single and multiple vortex structures. Single vortex (SV) grains have fingerprints with contributions to both the transient and transient‐free zones of FORC diagrams. A fundamental feature of the SV fingerprint is a central ridge, representing a distribution of negative saturation vortex annihilation fields. SV irreversible events at multiple field values along different FORC branches determine the asymmetry in the upper and lower lobes of generic bulk FORC diagrams of natural materials with grains predominantly in the vortex state. Multivortex (MV) FORC signatures are modeled here for the first time. MV grains contribute mostly to the transient‐free zone of a FORC diagram, averaging out to create a broad central peak. The intensity of the central peak is higher than that of the lobes, implying that MV particles are more abundant than SV particles in geologic materials with vortex state fingerprints. The abundance of MV particles, as well as their single domain‐like properties point to MV grains being the main natural remanent magnetization carriers in geologic materials.

Nanoscale Mapping of Ultrafast Magnetization Dynamics with Femtosecond Lorentz Microscopy

Novel time-resolved imaging techniques for the investigation of ultrafast nanoscale magnetization dynamics are indispensable for further developments in light-controlled magnetism. Here, we introduce femtosecond Lorentz microscopy, achieving a spatial resolution below 100 nm and a temporal resolution of 700 fs, which gives access to the transiently excited state of the spin system on femtosecond timescales and its subsequent relaxation dynamics. We demonstrate the capabilities of this technique by spatio-temporally mapping the light-induced demagnetization of a single magnetic vortex structure and quantitatively extracting the evolution of the magnetization field after optical excitation. Tunable electron imaging conditions allow for an optimization of spatial resolution or field sensitivity, enabling future investigations of ultrafast internal dynamics of magnetic topological defects on 10-nanometer length scales.

Sensitivity Analysis of Geometrical Parameters on the Aerodynamic Performance of Closed-Box Girder Bridges.

In this study, the influence of two critical geometrical parameters (i.e., angles of wind fairing, α; and lower inclined web, β) in the aerodynamic performance of closed-box girder bridges was systematically investigated through conducting a theoretical analysis and wind tunnel testing using laser displacement sensors. The results show that, for a particular inclined web angle β, a closed-box girder with a sharper wind fairing angle of α = 50° has better flutter and vortex-induced vibration (VIV) performance than that with α = 60°, while an inclined web angle of β = 14° produces the best VIV performance. In addition, the results from particle image velocimetry (PIV) tests indicate that a wind fairing angle of α = 50° produces a better flutter performance by inducing a single vortex structure and a balanced distribution of the strength of vorticity in both upper and lower parts of the wake region. Furthermore, two-dimensional three-degrees-of-freedom (2D-3DOF) analysis results demonstrate that the absolute values of Part A (with a reference of flutter derivative A2*) and Part D (with a reference of A1*H3*) generally decrease with the increase of β, while the change of the participation level of heaving degrees of freedom (DOF) in torsion-dominated coupled flutter initially increases, reaches its peak, and then decreases with the increase of β.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation of transient natural convection of air in square cavity under a magnetic quadrupole field

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with multiple distribution functions model, to simulate transient natural convection of air in a two-dimensional square cavity in the presence of a magnetic quadrupole field, under non-gravitational as well as gravitational conditions. Design/methodology/approach The density-temperature double distribution functions and D2Q9 model of LBM for the momentum and temperature equations are currently employed. Detailed transient structures of the flow and isotherms at unsteady state are obtained and compared for a range of magnetic force numbers from 1 to 100. Characteristics of the natural convection at initial moment, quasi-steady state and steady state are presented in present work. Findings At initial time, effects of the magnetic field and gravity are both relatively limited, but the effects become efficient as time evolves. Bi-cellular flow structures are obtained under non-gravitational condition, while the flow presents a single vortex structure at first under gravitational condition, and then emerges a bi-cellular structure with the increase of magnetic field force number. The average Nusselt number generally increases with the augment of magnetic field intensity. Practical implications This paper will be useful in the researches on crystal material and protein growth, oxygen concentration sensor, enhancement or suppression of the heat transfer in micro-electronics and micro-processing technology, etc. Originality/value The current study extended the application of LBM on the transient natural convective problem of paramagnetic fluids in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field.