Vortex Detection Research Articles

Design of airport wake vortex monitoring system based on 1.5-μm pulsed coherent Doppler lidar

To shun the vortex hazard, the airport wake vortex monitoring system based on 1.5-μm pulsed coherent Doppler lidar is designed successfully in this paper. Based on the realistic analytical model, the wake vortex generated by airbus A340 under typical flight condition is simulated. Then the principle of airport wake vortex monitoring is introduced, and the work flow of the monitoring system is also presented. Moreover, based on the mechanism of vortex coherent detection and typical system parameters, both detection SNR and detection precision are obtained through numerical simulations. When the system outputs 2 J energy, the coherent detection SNR at 10 km distance is up to 23.452, and detection precision can reach 0.328 m/s. With the wake vortex monitoring experiment of A340, some vortex parameters are estimated. Due to these results comparatively coinciding with the previous simulation conclusions, the ability of Doppler lidar for full-scale wake vortex characterization and real time measurement is demonstrated. The study shows that the wake vortex detection based on 1.5-μm pulsed coherent Doppler lidar has the advantages of high accuracy and far distance, and the designed airport wake vortex monitoring system has proved to be effective and feasible, which has significant development and application prospect in the aspect of assuring flight security and increasing airport capacity.

Wake vortex prediction and detection utilising advanced fusion filter technologies

AbstractAs a consequence of its aerodynamic lift, each aircraft is generating wake vortices that can become a serious hazard for the succeeding aircraft and in the worst case lead to loss of control. Separation standards were introduced to prevent dangerous wake encounters that have proven sufficiently safe but also very conservative, thus limiting airspace and airport capacity.The objective of contemporary wake vortex research is regaining capacity in favourable atmospheric conditions, at the same time preserving or even improving the current safety level. The wake vortex advisory systems developed for this purpose are nearing experimental implementation and all include a forecasting component and additional online detection sensors, with both elements having their benefits and limitations.The wake vortex research objectives at the Institute of Flight Guidance (IFF) of the Technische Universitaet Braunschweig focus on a close coupling approach between model predictions and sensor measurements. Using the complementary capabilities of each, the aim of improved performance of the overall system shall be reached.After giving a short overview on the wake vortex phenomenon and current approaches to wake vortex alerting and advisory systems, this paper will introduce the fusion concept. The benefits of this approach will be demonstrated by means of examples. An outlook on further development and envisaged advanced implementation concepts will be given.

Numerical correction of optical vortex using a wrapped phase map analysis algorithm

We demonstrate experimentally a technique for the numerical correction of an optical vortex with a unitary topological charge. A developed algorithm based on the axial behavior of a reconstructed wavefront is used in the detection of the optical vortex. Optimizations of the number of axial phase maps and the window size used in the algorithm yield the precise coordinates of the vortex eye. The obtained coordinates and vortex handedness are used in designing a proper filter, facilitating numerical correction of the vortex phase map. The developed algorithm can be applied to absolute phase and phase difference maps obtained through any reconstruction method.

Examination of singular scalar light fields using wavelet processing of fork fringes

A single frame fork fringe pattern automatic processing method for detecting optical vortices in coherent light fields using two-dimensional continuous wavelet transformation is proposed. When a vortex sign is of no importance, it is sufficient to calculate the fork interferogram modulation distribution and its normalized gradient map to establish vortex locations without resorting to complicated phase calculations. Normalization of modulation gradient maps enables unambiguous vortex discrimination from local modulation minima without phase singularity. The issue of vortex detection resolution versus carrier fringe frequency and orientation is discussed. Corroboration of simulation and experimental studies of integer and noninteger singular light beams as well as speckle fields reported in the literature and analyzed using different approaches is presented.

Tropical Cyclone–like Vortices Detection in the NCEP 16-Day Ensemble System over the Western North Pacific in 2008: Application and Forecast Evaluation

Abstract An automated technique has been developed for the detection and tracking of tropical cyclone–like vortices (TCLVs) in numerical weather prediction models, and especially for ensemble-based models. A TCLV is detected in the model grid when selected dynamic and thermodynamic fields meet specified criteria. A backward-and-forward extension from the mature stage of the track is utilized to complete the track. In addition, a fuzzy logic approach is utilized to calculate the TCLV fuzzy combined-likelihood value (TFCV) for representing the TCLV characteristics in the ensemble forecast outputs. The primary objective of the TCLV tracking and TFCV maps is for use as an evaluation tool for the operational forecasters. It is demonstrated that this algorithm efficiently extracts western North Pacific TCLV information from the vast amount of ensemble data from the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS). The predictability of typhoon formation and activity during June–December 2008 is also evaluated. The TCLV track numbers and TFCV averages around the formation locations during the 0–96-h period are more skillful than for the 102–384-h forecasts. Compared to weak tropical cyclones (TCs; maximum intensity ≤ 50 kt), the storms that eventually become stronger TCs do have larger TFCVs. Depending on the specified domain size and the ensemble track numbers to define a forecast event, some skill is indicated in predicting the named TC activity. Although this evaluation with the 2008 typhoon season indicates some potential, an evaluation with a larger sample is necessary to statistically verify the reliability of the GEFS forecasts.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations of a Turbulent Flow Behavior in Isolated and Nonisolated Conical Diffusers

In some industrial processes, and especially in agrofood industries, the cleaning in place mechanism used for hydraulic circuits plays an important role. This process needs a good knowledge of the hydrodynamic flows to determinate the appropriate parameters that assure a good cleaning of these circuits without disassembling them. Generally, different arrangements are present in these hydraulic circuits, such as expansions, diffusers, and elbows. The flow crossing these singularities strongly affects the process of cleaning in place. This work is then a contribution to complete recent studies of “aliments quality security” project to ameliorate the quality of the cleaning in place. It presents experimental and numerical investigations of a confined turbulent flow behavior across a conical diffuser (2α=16 deg). The role of a perturbation caused by the presence of an elbow in the test section, upstream of the progressive enlargement, was studied. The main measurements were the static pressure and the instantaneous velocity fields using the particle image velocimetry (PIV). Post-processing of these PIV measurements were adopted using the Γ2 criterion for the vortices detection and the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) technique to extract the most energetic modes contained in the turbulent flow and to the turbulent flow filtering. A database has been also constituted and was used to test the validity of the most models of turbulence, and in particular, a variant of the shear stress transport (SST) model.

Doppler radar observations of mesovortices within a cool-season tornadic squall line over the UK

On 7 December 2006 a tornado of T5 (F2) intensity struck northwest London injuring six people and damaging over 200 houses. In this paper, the squall line responsible for the tornado is analysed using reflectivity and radial wind data obtained from Met Office Doppler radars. The environment of the squall line is also analysed using available observations. The squall line developed in a weakly unstable polar maritime airmass to the rear of an active cold front and south of a deep depression moving eastwards over northern Scotland. The tornado was associated with a strong vortex of approximately 2–4 km diameter which formed along the leading edge of a bowing segment embedded within the squall line. The tornado occurred close to the time of maximum vortex strength, which followed a short period of rapid vortex intensification. This vortex was one of the strongest, and the longest-lived, of a number of mesovortices traceable in the Doppler radial velocity field for periods of up to 75 min. Mature vortices were often associated with characteristic ‘broken-S’ signatures in the reflectivity field, with inflow notches to their north and localised line-bowing to the south. Velocity couplets were also observed in the radial velocity field, especially when vortices were located within 50 km range of the radar. The presence of cyclonic and anti-cyclonic vortex pairs early in the evolution of at least one cyclonic vortex, straddling a small bulging section in the leading edge of the line, suggests that localised tilting of the ambient horizontal vorticity was the most likely vortex-genesis mechanism. The analysis reveals that individual vortices developed and evolved rapidly, suggesting that in similar cases, the issuance of tornado warnings based on the detection of individual vortices may result in limited success. However, a tendency for stronger and longer-lived vortices to form along and north of the bowing line segment was observed. In similar cases this could prove useful for identification of sections within a given squall line most prone to stronger mesovortex development, with their attendant risk of localised damaging winds.

Particle image velocimetry of active flow control on a compressor cascade

AFC (Active Flow Control) experiments have been performed by means of steady and pulsed blowing out of the sidewalls as well as out of the blade’s suction surface in a highly loaded compressor cascade. PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) was used to evaluate the fully three-dimensional internal flow field and the impact of AFC methods. The aim was to observe the secondary flow structures and flow instabilities by PIV, to tune the AFC device operation parameters. This paper summarizes the different PIV measurements performed at the stator cascade to give an overview of the dominant flow features in the passage flow field and to obtain a detailed view of control mechanisms. In addition, a new vortex detection method is presented, based on a 2D-wavelet which is applicable in two-dimensional velocity data fields.

A Climatology of Midlatitude Mesoscale Convective Vortices in the Rapid Update Cycle

Abstract Climatological characteristics of mesoscale convective vortices (MCVs) occurring in the state of Oklahoma during the late spring and summer of four years are investigated. The MCV cases are selected based on vortex detection by an objective algorithm operating on analyses from the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) model. Consistent with a previous study, true MCVs represent only about 20% of the mesoscale relative vorticity maxima detected by the algorithm. The MCVs have a broad range of radii and intensities, and their longevities range between 1 and 54 h. Their median radius is about 200 km, and their median midlevel relative vorticity is 1.2 × 10−4 s−1. There appears to be no significant relationship between MCV longevity and intensity. Similar to past estimates, approximately 40% of the MCVs generate secondary convection within their circulations. The mean synoptic-scale MCV environment is determined by the use of a RUC-based composite analysis at four different stages in the MCV life cycle, defined based on vortex detection by the objective algorithm. MCV initiation is closely tied to the diurnal cycle of convection over the Great Plains, with MCVs typically forming in the early morning, near the time of maximum extent of nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Features related to the parent MCSs, including upper-level divergent outflow, midlevel convergence, and a low-level jet, are prominent in the initiating MCV composite. The most significant feature later in the MCV life cycle is a persistent mesoscale trough in the midlevel height field. The potential vorticity (PV) structure of the composite MCV consists of a midlevel maximum and an upper-level minimum, with some extension of elevated PV into the lower troposphere as the vortex matures. The environment immediately downshear of the MCV is more conducive to secondary convection than the environment upshear of the MCV. This midlatitude MCV climatology represents an extension of past individual case studies by providing mean characteristics of a large MCV population; these statistics are suitable for the verification of MCV simulations. Also presented is the first high-resolution composite analysis of the MCV environment at different stages of the MCV life cycle, which will aid in identifying and forecasting these systems.

Submesoscale vortex structures at the entrance of the Gulf of Lions in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea

The meanders of a baroclinic coastal current in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea have already been reported in the literature. These meanders can be surrounded by vortices. Such vortices have been observed in the western part of the Gulf of Lions but the location and the mechanism of their formation are poorly documented. In this paper, we use the current measurements of a one-year experiment, which was conducted in the eastern part of the Gulf of Lions to detect and characterize the vortex activity. A vortex detection algorithm based on few velocity data was developed. Current measurements were available at the sea surface (HF radars) and in the water column from 50 to 140 m depth (four current meter moorings). SST images and hydrologic data were also used. Results focus on observations that are coherent 50 m and at the surface. Vortices are anticyclonic, of submesoscale size and present maximal velocities of 30-50 cm/s. The drift speed of the vortices is comparable to but less than the velocity of the Northern Current. These observations enable to estimate the minimum vortex occurrence in this area. The presence of vortex structures is strongly correlated with a specific sequence of wind patterns. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Speed Method of Detection of Vortex without Empirical Conditions—Application to Risk-Assessment of Tropical Cyclone—

High Speed Method of Detection of Vortex without Empirical Conditions—Application to Risk-Assessment of Tropical Cyclone—

Vortex Dynamics and Shedding of a Low Aspect Ratio, Flat Wing at Low Reynolds Numbers and High Angles of Attack

This study focuses on the detection and characterization of vortices in low Reynolds number separated flow over the elliptical leading edge of a low aspect ratio, flat plate wing. Velocity fields were obtained using the time-resolved particle image velocimetry. Experiments were performed on a wing with aspect ratio of 0.5 for velocities of 1.1 m/s, 2.0 m/s, and 5.0 m/s corresponding to chord length Reynolds numbers of 1.47×104, 2.67×104, and 6.67×104, respectively, and angles of attack of 14 deg, 16 deg, 18 deg, and 20 deg. A local swirl calculation was used on proper orthogonal decomposition filtered data for vortex identification and corresponding vortex centers were tracked to determine convective velocities. The swirl function was also analyzed for its temporal frequency response at several discrete points in both the shear layer and in the separated recirculation region. A peak frequency was detected in the shear layer with a corresponding Strouhal number of approximately 3.4 based on the flow direction projected length scale. The Strouhal number increases with both angle of attack and Reynolds number. The shear layer convective length scale, based on the vortex convection velocity, is found to be consistent with the mean separation distance between vortices within the shear layer. This length scale decreases with increasing Rec.

Using a Low-Order Model to Detect and Characterize Tornadoes in Multiple-Doppler Radar Data

Abstract A new multiple-Doppler radar analysis technique is presented for the objective detection and characterization of tornado-like vortices. The technique consists of fitting radial wind data from two or more radars to a simple analytical model of a vortex and its near-environment. The model combines a uniform flow, linear shear flow, linear divergence flow (all of which compose a broadscale flow), and a modified combined Rankine vortex (representing the tornado). The vortex and its environment are allowed to translate. The parameters in the low-order model are determined by minimizing a cost function that accounts for the discrepancy between the model and observed radial winds. Since vortex translation is taken into account, the cost function can be evaluated over time as well as space, and thus the observations can be used at the actual times and locations where they were acquired. The technique is first tested using analytically simulated observations whose wind field and error characteristics are systematically varied. An Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) high-resolution numerical simulation of a supercell and associated tornado is then used to emulate an observation dataset. The method is tested with two virtual radars for several radar-sampling strategies. Finally, the technique is applied to a dataset of real dual-Doppler observations of a tornado that struck central Oklahoma on 8 May 2003. The method shows skill in retrieving the tornado path and radar-grid-scale features of the horizontal wind field in the vicinity of the tornado. The best results are obtained using a two-step procedure in which the broadscale flow is retrieved first.

Causality in Condensates: Gray Solitons as Relics of BEC Formation

Symmetry breaking during phase transitions can lead to the formation of topological defects (such as vortex lines in superfluids). However, the usually studied Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) have the shape of a cigar, a geometry that impedes vortex formation, survival, and detection. I show that, in elongated traps, one can expect the formation of gray solitons (long-lived, nontopological "phase defects") as a result of the same mechanism. Their number will rise approximately in proportion to the transition rate. This steep rise is due to the increasing size of the region of the BEC cigar where the phase of the condensate wave function is chosen locally (rather than passed on from the already formed BEC).

The flow structure behind vortex generators embedded in a decelerating turbulent boundary layer

The objective of the present work is to analyse the behaviour of a turbulent decelerating boundary layer under the effect of both passive and active jets vortex generators (VGs). The stereo PIV database of Godard and Stanislas [1,2] obtained in an adverse pressure gradient boundary layer is used for this study. After presenting the effect on the mean velocity field and the turbulent kinetic energy, the line of analysis is extended with two points spatial correlations and vortex detection in instantaneous velocity fields. It is shown that the actuators concentrate the boundary layer turbulence in the region of upward motion of the flow, and segregate the near-wall streamwise vortices of the boundary layer based on their vorticity sign.

High Brightness 1.5 μm Pulsed Fiber Laser for Lidar: From Fibers to Systems

In this article, we discuss the designs and performances of narrow-linewidth erbium-ytterbium fiber MOPA for coherent detection lidars. We report on pedestal and multifilament core erbium-ytterbium large mode area fibers specially designed to generate high energy and good beam quality. Pulse energy of 220 μJ with M2 < 1.4 are obtained with all-fiber three amplification stages. An additional amplifier stage generates 600 μJ with M2 < 2.4. We present the first results of pulsed fiber lidar wake vortices detection using a coherent detection lidar. Maturation of this technology leads to compact all-fiber lasers. Several commercial laser sources for lidars are finally described.

Far-field detection of the dipole vortex

The energy flow lines (field lines of the Poynting vector) of electric dipole radiation exhibit a vortex structure in the near field when the dipole moment of the source is in circular rotation. The spatial extend of this vortex is smaller than a wavelength and may not be observable by a measurement in the near field. We show that the rotation of the field lines close to the source affects the image of the dipole in the far field, and this opens the possibility for observation of this vortex by a measurement in the far field.

Shearograms of a singular beam using wedge plate lateral shear interferometer

Shearograms of a phase singular beam obtained with a wedge plate lateral shear interferometer are presented. Unlike a normal lateral shear interferometer, a wedge plate lateral shear interferometer generates fork fringes, even in the absence of curvature in a phase singular beam. Thus, a wedge plate lateral shear interferometer is a more effective tool for the detection of optical vortices. Shearograms are recorded and analyzed for three separate cases: when the tilt and shear are in same direction, in opposite direction and when the two are normal to each other. It is shown that when tilt is normal to the direction of shear, the interferometer can be used for testing collimation of singular beams.

Tornado Detection Using a Neuro–Fuzzy System to Integrate Shear and Spectral Signatures

Abstract Tornado vortices observed from Doppler radars are often associated with strong azimuthal shear and Doppler spectra that are wide and flattened. The current operational tornado detection algorithm (TDA) primarily searches for shear signatures that are larger than the predefined thresholds. In this work, a tornado detection procedure based on a fuzzy logic system is developed to integrate tornadic signatures in both the velocity and spectral domains. A novel feature of the system is that it is further enhanced by a neural network to refine the membership functions through a feedback training process. The hybrid approach herein, termed the neuro–fuzzy tornado detection algorithm (NFTDA), is initially verified using simulations and is subsequently tested on real data. The results demonstrate that NFTDA can detect tornadoes even when the shear signatures are degraded significantly so that they would create difficulties for typical vortex detection schemes. The performance of the NFTDA is assessed with level I time series data collected by the KOUN radar, a research Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) operated by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), during two tornado outbreaks in central Oklahoma on 8 and 10 May 2003. In these cases, NFTDA and TDA provide good detections up to a range of 43 km. Moreover, NFTDA extends the detection range out to approximately 55 km, as the results indicate here, to detect a tornado of F0 magnitude on 10 May 2003.

Evolution of vortex structures in an electromagnetically excited separated flow

Time periodic wall parallel Lorentz forces have been used to excite the separated flow on the suction side of an inclined flat plate. Experiments for a Reynolds number of 104 and an angle of attack of α = 13° are reported. The controlled flow is characterised by a small number of relatively large scale vortices, which are related to the control mechanism. The influence of the main parameters, i.e. the excitation frequency, amplitude and wave form on the suction side flow structures was investigated by analysing time resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements using continuous wavelet analysis for vortex detection and characterisation. Statistical analysis of the coherent structures of the flow was performed on a large amount of data samples.