Vortical Motion Research Articles

Computational investigation of left ventricular hemodynamics following bioprosthetic aortic and mitral valve replacement

The left ventricle of the heart is a fundamental structure in the human cardiac system that pumps oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation. Several valvular conditions can cause the aortic and mitral valves associated with the left ventricle to become severely diseased and require replacement. However, the clinical outcomes of such operations, specifically the postoperative ventricular hemodynamics of replacing both valves, are not well understood. This work uses computational fluid–structure interaction (FSI) to develop an improved understanding of this effect by modeling a left ventricle with the aortic and mitral valves replaced with bioprostheses. We use a hybrid Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian/immersogeometric framework to accommodate the analysis of cardiac hemodynamics and heart valve structural mechanics in a moving fluid domain. The motion of the endocardium is obtained from a cardiac biomechanics simulation and provided as an input to the proposed numerical framework. The results from the simulations in this work indicate that the replacement of the native mitral valve with a tri-radially symmetric bioprosthesis dramatically changes the ventricular hemodynamics. Most significantly, the vortical motion in the left ventricle is found to reverse direction after mitral valve replacement. This study demonstrates that the proposed computational FSI framework is capable of simulating complex multiphysics problems and can provide an in-depth understanding of the cardiac mechanics.

Controlling vortical motion of particles in two-dimensional driven superlattices

We demonstrate the control of vortical motion of neutral classical particles in driven superlattices. Our superlattice consists of a superposition of individual lattices whose potential depths are modulated periodically in time but with different phases. This driving scheme breaks the spatial reflection symmetries and allows an ensemble of particles to rotate with an average angular velocity. An analysis of the underlying dynamical attractors provides an efficient method to control the angular velocities of the particles by changing the driving amplitude. As a result, spatially periodic patterns of particles showing different vortical motion can be created. Possible experimental realizations include holographic optical lattice based setups for colloids or cold atoms.

Resonant absorption: Transformation of compressive motions into vortical motions

This paper investigates the changes in spatial properties when magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves undergo resonant damping in the Alfvén continuum. The analysis is carried out for a 1D cylindrical pressure-less plasma with a straight magnetic field. The effect of the damping on the spatial wave variables is determined by using complex frequencies that arise as a result of the resonant damping. Compression and vorticity are used to characterise the spatial evolution of the MHD wave. The most striking result is the huge spatial variation in the vorticity component parallel to the magnetic field. Parallel vorticity vanishes in the uniform part of the equilibrium. However, when the MHD wave moves into the non-uniform part, parallel vorticity explodes to values that are orders of magnitude higher than those attained by the transverse components in planes normal to the straight magnetic field. In the non-uniform part of the equilibrium plasma, the MHD wave is controlled by parallel vorticity and resembles an Alfvén wave, with the unfamiliar property that it has pressure variations even in the linear regime.

Anomalous features in internal cylinder flow instabilities subject to uncertain rotational effects

We study the flow dynamics inside a high-speed rotating cylinder after introducing strong symmetry-breaking disturbance factors at cylinder wall motion. We propose and formulate a mathematically robust stochastic model for the rotational motion of the cylinder wall alongside the stochastic representation of incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. We employ a comprehensive stochastic computational fluid dynamics framework combining the spectral/hp element method and the probabilistic collocation method to obtain high-fidelity realizations of our mathematical model in order to quantify the propagation of parametric uncertainty for dynamics-representative quantities of interests. We observe that the modeled symmetry-breaking disturbances cause a flow instability arising from the wall. Utilizing global sensitivity analysis approaches, we identify the dominant source of uncertainty in our proposed model. We next perform a qualitative and quantitative statistical analysis on the fluctuating fields characterizing the fingerprints and measures of intense and rapidly evolving non-Gaussian behavior through space and time. We claim that such non-Gaussian statistics essentially emerge and evolve due to an intensified presence of coherent vortical motions initially triggered by the flow instability due to the symmetry-breaking rotation of the cylinder. We show that this mechanism causes memory effects in the flow dynamics in a way that noticeable anomaly in the time-scaling of enstrophy record is observed in the long run apart from the onset of instability. Our findings suggest an effective strategy to exploit controlled flow instabilities in order to enhance the turbulent mixing in engineering applications.

Stochastic Lagrangian dynamics of vorticity. Part 1. General theory for viscous, incompressible fluids

Abstract

Direct numerical simulation of turbulent flow through a ribbed square duct

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Identifying Characteristics of Wildfire Towers and Troughs

Wildfire behavior is dictated by the complex interaction of numerous physical phenomena including dynamic ambient and fire-induced winds, heat transfer, aerodynamic drag on the wind by the fuel and combustion. These phenomena create complex feedback effects between the fire and its surroundings. In this study, we aim to study the mechanisms by which buoyant flame dynamics along with vortical motions and instabilities control wildfire propagation. Specifically, this study employs a suite of simulations conducted with the physics-based coupled fire-atmosphere behavior model (FIRETEC). The simulations are initialized with a fire line and the fires are allowed to propagate on a grass bed, where the fuel heights and wind conditions are varied systematically. Flow variables are extracted to identify the characteristics of the alternating counter-rotational vortices, called towers and troughs, that drive convective heat transfer and fire spread. These vortices have previously been observed in wildfires and laboratory fires, and have also been observed to arise spontaneously in FIRETEC due to the fundamental physics incorporated in the model. However, these past observations have been qualitative in nature and no quantitative studies can be found in the literature which connected these coherent structures fundamental to fire behavior with the constitutive flow variables. To that end, a variety of state variables are examined in the context of these coherent structures under various wind profile and grass height conditions. Identification of various correlated signatures and fire-atmosphere feedbacks in simulations provides a hypothesis that can be tested in future observational or experimental efforts, potentially assisting experimental design, and can aid in the interpretation of data from in situ detectors.

In the Eye of the Storm: Echocardiographic Particle Image Velocimetry Analysis in a Patient with Takotsubo Syndrome.

Echo particle imaging velocimetry (Echo PIV) is a contrast-echo-based technique, used to evaluate the instantaneous vortical blood motion into the left ventricle (LV). Here, we report, for the first time, echo-PIV findings in a patient with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). Vortex behavior suggested that TTS might present with peculiar PIV characteristics, including relatively preserved intra-ventricular pressure gradient and energy dissipation. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether the preservation of a more physiological vortex behavior could be related to the structural and functional recovery observed in TTS.

Pattern Formation of Three-Dimensional Electroconvection on a Charge Selective Surface.

When a charge selective surface consumes or transports only cations or anions in the electrolyte, biased ion rejection initiates hydrodynamic instability, resulting in vortical fluid motions called electroconvection. In this Letter, we describe the first laboratory observation of three-dimensional electroconvection on a charge selective surface. Combining experiment and scaling analysis, we successfully categorized three distinct patterns of 3D electroconvection according to [(Ra_{E})/(Re^{2}Sc)] [electric Rayleigh number (Ra_{E}), Reynolds number (Re), Schmidt number (Sc)] as (i)polygonal, (ii)transverse, or (iii)longitudinal rolls. If Re increases or Ra_{E} decreases, pure longitudinal rolls are presented. On the other hand, transverse rolls are formed between longitudinal rolls, and two rolls are transformed as polygonal one at higher Ra_{E} or lower Re. In this pattern selection scenario, Sc determines the critical electric Rayleigh number (Ra_{E}^{*}) for the onset of each roll, resulting in Ra_{E}^{*}∼Re^{2}Sc. We also verify that convective ion flux by electroconvection (represented by an electric Nusselt number Nu_{E}) is fitted to a power law, Nu_{E}∼[(Ra_{E}-Ra_{E}^{*})/(Re^{2}Sc)]^{α_{1}}Re^{α_{2}}Pe^{α_{3}} [Péclet number (Pe)], where each term represents the characteristics of electroconvection, shear flow, and ion transport.

Topological turbulence in the membrane of a living cell

Topological defects determine the structure and function of physical and biological matter over a wide range of scales, from the turbulent vortices in planetary atmospheres, oceans or quantum fluids to bioelectrical signalling in the heart1–3 and brain4, and cell death5. Many advances have been made in understanding and controlling the defect dynamics in active6–9 and passive9,10 non-equilibrium fluids. Yet, it remains unknown whether the statistical laws that govern the dynamics of defects in classical11 or quantum fluids12–14 extend to the active matter7,15,16 and information flows17,18 in living systems. Here, we show that a defect-mediated turbulence underlies the complex wave propagation patterns of Rho-GTP signalling protein on the membrane of starfish egg cells, a process relevant to cytoskeletal remodelling and cell proliferation19,20. Our experiments reveal that the phase velocity field extracted from Rho-GTP concentration waves exhibits vortical defect motions and annihilation dynamics reminiscent of those seen in quantum systems12,13, bacterial turbulence15 and active nematics7. Several key statistics and scaling laws of the defect dynamics can be captured by a minimal Helmholtz–Onsager point vortex model21 as well as a generic complex Ginzburg–Landau22 continuum theory, suggesting a close correspondence between the biochemical signal propagation on the surface of a living cell and a widely studied class of two-dimensional turbulence23 and wave22 phenomena. Activity in certain living systems can lead to swirling flows akin to turbulence. Here, the authors connect the dynamics of topological defects in starfish oocyte membranes to vortex dynamics in 2D Bose–Einstein condensates.

Effect of Secondary Vortex Flow Near Contact Point on Thermal Performance in the Plate Heat Exchanger with Different Corrugation Profiles

The present study numerically investigates thermal performance and turbulent flow characteristics of chevron-type plate heat exchangers with sinusoidal, trapezoidal, triangular, and elliptical corrugation profiles. The commercial code of ANSYS Fluent (v. 17.0) is used for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with the realizable k-ε model. In particular, we focus on the influence of configuration shape on a substantial change in flow direction near the contact point, yielding local vorticity. As a result, secondary vortical motions are observed in the flow passage with vorticity that is distributed locally and which changes near the contact point. Higher flow mixing generated and distributed by the secondary vortical motions contributes to the increase of the Colburn j-factor as well as the friction factor. The highest Colburn j-factor and friction factor are obtained for an elliptical profile, compared to other shapes, because of the increase in the vortex strength near the contact point.

On the alignment of velocity and magnetic fields within magnetosheath jets

Abstract. Jets in the subsolar magnetosheath are localized enhancements in dynamic pressure that are able to propagate all the way from the bow shock to the magnetopause. Due to their excess velocity with respect to their environment, they push slower ambient plasma out of their way, creating a vortical plasma motion in and around them. Simulations and case study results suggest that jets also modify the magnetic field in the magnetosheath on their passage, aligning it more with their velocity. Based on Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) jet observations and corresponding superposed epoch analyses of the angles ϕ between the velocity and magnetic fields, we can confirm that this suggestion is correct. However, while the alignment is more significant for faster than for slower jets, and for jets observed close to the bow shock, the overall effect is small: typically, reductions in ϕ of around 10∘ are observed at jet core regions, where the jets' velocities are largest. Furthermore, time series of ϕ pertaining to individual jets significantly deviate from the superposed epoch analysis results. They usually exhibit large variations over the entire range of ϕ: 0 to 90∘. This variability is commonly somewhat larger within jets than outside them, masking the systematic decrease in ϕ at core regions of individual jets.

Vorticity and Particle Polarization in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

We review studies of vortical motion and the resulting global polarization of $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons in heavy-ion collisions, in particular, within 3FD model. 3FD predictions for the global midrapidity polarization in the FAIR-NICA energy range are presented. The 3FD simulations indicate that energy dependence of the observed global polarization of hyperons in the midrapidity region is a consequence of the decrease of the vorticity in the central region with the collision energy rise because of pushing out the vorticity field into the fragmentation regions. At high collision energies this pushing-out results in a peculiar vortical structure consisting of two vortex rings: one ring in the target fragmentation region and another one in the projectile fragmentation region with matter rotation being opposite in these two rings.

Collective motion of chiral Brownian particles controlled by a circularly-polarized laser beam.

We demonstrate the emergence of circular collective motion in a system of spherical light-propelled Brownian particles. Light-propulsion occurs as consequence of the coupling between the chirality of polymeric particles - left (L)- or right (R)-type - and the circularly-polarized light that irradiates them. Irradiation with light that has the same helicity as the particle material leads to a circular cooperative vortical motion between the chiral Brownian particles. In contrast, opposite circular-polarization does not induce such coupling among the particles but only affects their Brownian motion. The mean angular momentum of each particle has a value and sign that distinguishes between chiral activity dynamics and typical Brownian motion. These outcomes have relevant implications for chiral separation technologies and provide new strategies for optical torque tunability in mesoscopic optical array systems, micro- and nanofabrication of light-activated engines with selective control and collective motion.

Particle Polarization and Structure of Vortical Field in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

We review studies of vortical motion and the resulting global polarization of Λ and hyperons in heavy-ion collisions within 3FD model. The 3FD simulations indicate that energy dependence of the observed global polarization of hyperons in the midrapidity region is a consequence of the decrease of the vorticity in the central region with the collision energy rise because of pushing out the vorticity field into the fragmentation regions. At high collision energies this pushing-out results in a peculiar vortical structure consisting of two vortex rings: one ring in the target fragmentation region and another one in the projectile fragmentation region with matter rotation being opposite in these two rings.

Experimental test of Water-Oil Emulsion Combustion

This report dwells on the scientific study of the vortical device. The device is designed for efficient combustion of fossil fuels. Oil-water emulsion was taken as an example of alternative fuel. Although the functionality of the burner device is not limited to this fuel only. The innovative burner device under investigation is based on principal of vortical motion of fuel air mixture. There is a precombustion chamber specially designed, where inflammation and partial combustion of the swirling flow takes place. The article describes experiment on defining the geometric dimensioning of the burner discharge nozzle in relation to a combustion chamber. The position of the outlet nozzle inside of the burner is the main input parameter of this research. The authors analyzed the influence of this parameter on the pressure inside the combustion chamber and the electric load of the fan for the supplying combustion air. The position ranged from 0 to 120%. The optimal position is at 50% of the total length of the burner chamber. The pressure graph has an extremum in this position, and the electric energy consumption by the fan changes less significantly with further deepening of the output nozzle than earlier. The Results are presented for cold (air blowing only) and hot experiment (burning). This experiment proved the need for the design of the inner part of the discharge nozzle, which is a design feature of the burner device for which the European patent was obtained. The patent link is presented in the list of references.

Shocked Narrow-angle Tail Radio Galaxies: Simulations and Emissions

Abstract We present a numerical study of the interactions between the elongated active galactic nuclei outflows representing an evolved, narrow-angle tail (NAT) radio galaxy and planar, transverse ICM shock fronts characteristic of those induced by galaxy cluster mergers (incident Mach numbers 2–4). The simulated NAT formation was reported previously in O’Neill et al. Our simulations utilize a three-dimensional, Eulerian magnetohydrodynamic code along with energy-dependent Eulerian transport of passive cosmic ray electrons. Our analysis of the shock/NAT interaction applies a Riemann problem-based theoretical model to interpret complex shock front behavior during passage through the highly heterogeneous structures of the simulated NAT tails. In addition to shock compression, shock-induced vortical motions are observed within the tails that contribute to coherent turbulent dynamo processes that continue to amplify the magnetic fields in the tails well after initial shock compression. We analyze synthetic radio observations spanning the NAT-shock interaction period, and examine the brightness, spectral and polarization properties of our shock-rejuvenated radio tails, as well as the extent to which the pre-shock states of the plasma and particle populations in our tails influence post-shock observations. Finally, we evaluate our findings in the possible context of a physical analogy to our simulated NAT providing the precursor to a cluster “radio relic” associated with an impacting ICM shock.

Non-Newtonian flow of highly-viscous oils in hydraulic components

Viscous oils flowing in the geometrically-complex hydraulic circuits of earth-moving machines are associated with extensive friction losses, thus reducing the fuel efficiency of the vehicles and increasing emissions. The present investigation examines the performance effectiveness of different hydraulic oils, in terms of secondary-flow suppression and pressure-drop reduction. The flow of two non-Newtonian oil compounds, containing poly(alkylmethacrylate) (PMA) and poly(ethylene-co-propylene) (OCP) polymers, respectively, have been comparatively investigated against a base, monograde liquid through Particle Image Velocimetry. An 180° curved-tube layout and a check-valve replica have been selected as representative examples of the hydraulic components comprising the hydraulic circuit. The flow conditions prevailing in the experimental cases are characterized by Reynolds-number values in the range 76–1385. Precursor viscosity measurements with shear rate along with a theoretical analysis conducted using the FENE and PTT models have verified the influence of viscoelasticity and/or shear-thinning on the liquid flow behavior. PIV results have demonstrated that viscoelastic effects setting in due to the OCP additives tend to reduce the magnitude of the secondary flow pattern, commonly known as a Dean-vortex system, arising in the curved geometry by as much as 15% on average compared to the base liquid. A similar flow behavior was also demonstrated in the valve replica layout with reference to the geometry-induced coherent vortical motion in the constriction region, where a vorticity decrease up to 38% was observed for the OCP sample. On the contrary, the flow behavior of the primarily shear-thinning PMA oil was found to be comparable to that of the base oil, hence not presenting significant flow-enhancement characteristics.

A parametric study on friction-loss in water conveyance tunnels considering misalignment of precast concrete segments

In many tunneling projects, it is common that the lining concrete segments misaligned during Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) operation or after excavation process. Misalignment of concrete segment, especially in water conveyance tunnels, can affect fluid transfer capacity and causes local head-loss. Present study is composed of a series of Three Dimensional (3D) numerical simulations which explores the effects of the steps occurrence the tunnels created by segment off-sets in subcritical free surface flow. Results show that recirculating flows occur after the steps. This strong vortical motion after the steps causes considerable head-losses especially for higher steps which should not be neglected in the estimation of total head-loss. The results of simulations also show that the effects of the wall roughness and segment length on the head-loss could be ignored for practical estimations. Moreover, it is found that for a specified high expansion ratio, local head-loss coefficient of the bottom step is less than coefficient of the side step. Exploring presence of a sequence of misaligned concrete segments shows that the head-loss coefficient of sequenced steps is less than summation of independent coefficients of the same steps.

Systematics of toroidal dipole modes in Ca, Ni, Zr, and Sn isotopes

We analyze the relation between isoscalar toroidal modes and so-called pygmy dipole resonance (PDR) which both appear in the same region of low-energy dipole excitations. To this end, we use a theoretical description within the fully self-consistent Skyrme quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA). Test cases are spherical nuclei $^{40,48}$Ca, $^{58,72}$Ni, $^{90,100}$Zr, and $^{100,120,132}$Sn which cover four different elements and for each element at least two isotopes with different neutron excess, one small and another large. The structure of the modes is investigated in terms of strength functions, transition densities (TD) and transition currents (TC). For all considered nuclei, we see that, independently on whether PDR strength exists or not, the flow pattern in the lower part of the "PDR energy region" is basically the isoscalar vortical toroidal motion with a minor irrotational fraction. A one-to-one correspondence between calculated TD and TC can be established. The toroidal flow appears already in the uncoupled two-quasiparticle (2qp) excitations and becomes definitively strong for the QRPA modes. Altogether, we find that low-lying dipole strength often denoted as isoscalar PDR is actually an oversimplified imitation of the basically toroidal motion in nuclei with a sufficient neutron excess.