Geometric characterization of vortex lines in turbulence

Abstract

Vorticity in turbulent flows is often organized into complex geometries that influence the dynamics. We use a relatively novel approach to describe these geometries: that of obtaining segments of vortex lines embedded in the flow. This enables us to quantify the geometric features of these objects. Vortex lines differ widely in their behaviour but we find some unifying features. The decay from high levels of vorticity is shown to happen over a short fraction of the vortex length. The local curvature is inversely related with the vorticity magnitude. Strong parts of vortex lines bundle together. It is hoped that this first work will generate interest in such quantification and the physics of vortex dynamics in turbulence.