A model for vortical plumes in rotating convection

In turbulent rotating convection a typical flow structuring in columnar vortices is observed. In the internal structure of these vortices several symmetries are approximately satisfied. A model for these columnar vortices is derived by prescribing these symmetries. The symmetry constraints are appli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics of Fluids
Main Authors: Portegies, J.W., Kunnen, R.P.J., van Heijst, G.J.F., Molenaar, J.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2008
Subjects:
Online Access:https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/a-model-for-vortical-plumes-in-rotating-convection
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2936313
Description
Summary:In turbulent rotating convection a typical flow structuring in columnar vortices is observed. In the internal structure of these vortices several symmetries are approximately satisfied. A model for these columnar vortices is derived by prescribing these symmetries. The symmetry constraints are applied to the Navier¿Stokes equations with rotation in the Boussinesq approximation. It is found that the application of the symmetries results in a set of linearized equations. An investigation of the linearized equations leads to a model for the columnar vortices and a prediction for the heat flux (Nusselt number) that is very appropriate compared to the results from direct numerical simulations of the full governing equations