Showing papers on "Vortex published in 2002"

Direct Observation of Internal Spin Structure of Magnetic Vortex Cores

Abstract: Thin film nanoscale elements with a curling magnetic structure (vortex) are a promising candidate for future nonvolatile data storage devices. Their properties are strongly influenced by the spin structure in the vortex core. We have used spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy on nanoscale iron islands to probe for the first time the internal spin structure of magnetic vortex cores. Using tips coated with a layer of antiferromagnetic chromium, we obtained images of the curling in-plane magnetization around and of the out-of-plane magnetization inside the core region. The experimental data are compared with micromagnetic simulations. The results confirm theoretical predictions that the size and the shape of the vortex core as well as its magnetic field dependence are governed by only two material parameters, the exchange stiffness and the saturation magnetization that determines the stray field energy.

Coherent structure generation in near-wall turbulence

Abstract: We present a new mechanism for generation of near-wall streamwise vortices – which dominate turbulence phenomena in boundary layers – using linear perturbation analysis and direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flow. The base flow, consisting of the mean velocity profile and low-speed streaks (free from any initial vortices), is shown to be linearly unstable to sinuous normal modes only for relatively strong streaks, i.e. for wall inclination angles of streak vortex lines exceeding 50°. Analysis of streaks extracted from fully developed near-wall turbulence indicates that about 20% of streak regions in the buffer layer exceed the strength threshold for instability. More importantly, these unstable streaks exhibit only moderate (twofold) normal-mode amplification, the growth being arrested by self-annihilation of streak-flank normal vorticity due to viscous cross-diffusion. We present here an alternative, streak transient growth (STG) mechanism, capable of producing much larger (tenfold) linear ampliflcation of x-dependent disturbances. Note the distinction of STG – responsible for perturbation growth on a streak velocity distribution U(y, z) – from prior transient growth analyses of the (streakless) mean velocity U(y). We reveal that streamwise vortices are generated from the more numerous normal-mode-stable streaks, via a new STG-based scenario: (i) transient growth of perturbations leading to formation of a sheet of streamwise vorticity ωx (by a ‘shearing’ mechanism of vorticity generation), (ii) growth of sinuous streak waviness and hence ∂u/∂x as STG reaches nonlinear amplitude, and (iii) the ωx sheet’s collapse via stretching by ∂u/∂x (rather than rollup) into streamwise vortices. Significantly, the three-dimensional features of the (instantaneous) streamwise vortices of x-alternating sign generated by STG agree well with the (ensemble-averaged) coherent structures educed from fully turbulent flow. The STG-induced formation of internal shear layers, along with quadrant Reynolds stresses and other turbulence measures, also agree well with fully developed turbulence. Results indicate the prominent – possibly dominant – role of this new, transient-growth-based vortex generation scenario, and suggest interesting possibilities for robust control of drag and heat transfer.

A Four Unit Cell Periodic Pattern of Quasi-Particle States Surrounding Vortex Cores in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

Abstract: Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to image the additional quasi-particle states generated by quantized vortices in the high critical temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ. They exhibit a copper-oxygen bond–oriented “checkerboard” pattern, with four unit cell (4a0) periodicity and a ∼30 angstrom decay length. These electronic modulations may be related to the magnetic field–induced, 8a0periodic, spin density modulations with decay length of ∼70 angstroms recently discovered in La1.84Sr0.16CuO4. The proposed explanation is a spin density wave localized surrounding each vortex core. General theoretical principles predict that, in the cuprates, a localized spin modulation of wavelength λ should be associated with a corresponding electronic modulation of wavelength λ/2, in good agreement with our observations.

Eigenfrequencies of vortex state excitations in magnetic submicron-size disks

Abstract: We have theoretically and numerically studied the dynamic properties of the vortex magnetic state in soft submicron ferromagnetic dots with variable thickness and diameter. To describe the vortex translation mode eigenfrequencies, we applied the equation of motion for the vortex collective coordinates. We calculated the vortex restoring force with an explicit account of the magnetostatic interaction on the bases of the “rigid” vortex and two-vortices “side charges free” models. The latter model well explains the results of our micromagnetic numerical calculations. The translation mode eigenfrequency is inversely proportional to the vortex static initial susceptibility and lies in GHz range for submicron in-plane dot sizes.

Defects and geometry in condensed matter physics

Abstract: 1. Fluctuations, renormalization and universality 2. Defect mediated phase transitions 3. Order, frustration 4. The structure and statistical mechanics of glass 5. The statistical mechanics of crumpled membranes 6. Defects in superfluids, superconductors and membranes 7. Vortex line fluctuations in superconductors from elementary quantum mechanics 8. Correlations and transport in vortex liquids 9. The statistical mechanics of directed polymers.

Mechanisms for particle transfer and segregation in a turbulent boundary layer

Abstract: Particle transfer in the wall region of turbulent boundary layers is dominated by the coherent structures which control the turbulence regeneration cycle. Coherent structures bring particles toward and away from the wall and favour particle segregation in the viscous region, giving rise to non-uniform particle distribution proles which peak close to the wall. The object of this work is to understand the reasons for higher particle concentration in the wall region by examining turbulent transfer of heavy particles to and away from the wall in connection with the coherent structures of the boundary layer. We will examine the behaviour of a dilute dispersion of heavy particles { flyashes in air { in a vertical channel flow, using pseudo-spectral direct numerical simulation to calculate the turbulent flow eld at a shear Reynolds number Re = 150, and Lagrangian tracking to describe the dynamics of particles. Drag force, gravity and Saman lift are used in the equation of motion for the particles, which are assumed to have no influence on the flow eld. Particle interaction with the wall is fully elastic. As reported in several previous investigations, we found that particles are transferred by sweeps { Q2 type events { in the wall region, where they preferentially accumulate in the low-speed streak environments, whereas ejections { Q4 type events { transfer particles from the wall region to the outer flow. We quantify the eciency of the instantaneous realizations of the Reynolds stresses events in transferring different size particles to the wall and away from the wall, respectively. Our ndings conrm that sweeps and ejections are ecient transfer mechanisms for particles. In particular, we nd that only those sweep and ejection events with substantial spatial coherence are eective in transferring particles. However, the eciency of the transfer mechanisms is conditioned by the presence of particles to be transferred. In the case of ejections, particles are more rarely available since, when in the viscous wall layer, they are concentrated under the low-speed streaks. Even though the low-speed streaks are ejection-like environments, particles remain trapped for a long time. This phenomenon, which causes accumulation of particles in the near-wall region, can be interpreted in terms of overall fluxes toward and away from the wall by the theory of turbophoresis. This theory, proposed initially by Caporaloni et al. (1975) and re-examined later by Reeks (1983), can help to explain the existence of net particle fluxes toward the wall as a manifestation of the skewness in the velocity distribution of the particles (Reeks 1983). To understand the local and instantaneous mechanisms which give rise to the phenomenon of turbophoresis, we focus on the near-wall region of the turbulent boundary layer. We examine the role of the rear-end of a quasistreamwise vortex very near to the wall in preventing particles in the proximity of the wall from being re-entrained by the pumping action of the large, farther from the wall, forward-end of a following quasi-streamwise vortex. We examine several mechanisms

Lattice-Boltzmann Simulations of Fluid Flows in MEMS

Abstract: The lattice Boltzmann model is a simplified kinetic method based on the particle distribution function. We use this method to simulate problems in MEMS, in which the velocity slip near the wall plays an important role. It is demonstrated that the lattice Boltzmann method can capture the fundamental behaviors in micro-channel flow, including velocity slip, nonlinear pressure drop along the channel and mass flow rate variation with Knudsen number. The Knudsen number dependence of the position of the vortex center and the pressure contour in micro-cavity flows is also demonstrated.

Theory of Vortex Sound

Abstract: Preface 1. Introduction 2. Lighthill's theory 3. The compact Green's function 4. Vorticity 5. Vortex sound 6. Vortex-surface interaction noise in two-dimensions 7. Problems in three-dimensions 8. Further worked examples Bibliography.

Turbulence in Accretion Disks. Vorticity Generation and Angular Momentum Transport via the Global Baroclinic Instability

Abstract: In this paper we present the global baroclinic instability as a source for vigorous turbulence leading to angular momentum transport in Keplerian accretion disks. We show by analytical considerations and three-dimensional radiation hydro simulations that, in particular, protoplanetary disks have a negative radial entropy gradient, which makes them baroclinic. Two-dimensional numerical simulations show that a baroclinic flow is unstable and produces turbulence. These findings are tested for numerical effects by performing a simulation with a barotropic initial condition which shows that imposed turbulence rapidly decays. The turbulence in baroclinic disks transports angular momentum outward and creates a radially inward bound accretion of matter. Potential energy is released and excess kinetic energy is dissipated. Finally the reheating of the gas supports the radial entropy gradient, forming a self consistent process. We measure accretion rates in our 2D and 3D simulations of dotM= - 1E-9 - 1E-7 Msun/yr and viscosity parameters of alpha = 1E-4 - 1E-2, which fit perfectly together and agree reasonably with observations. The turbulence creates pressure waves, Rossby waves, and vortices in the R-phi plane of the disk. We demonstrate in a global simulation that these vortices tend to form out of little background noise and to be long-lasting features, which have already been suggested to lead to the formation of planets.

Cavitation in vortical flows

Abstract: ▪ Abstract Cavitation in vortical structures is a common, albeit complex, problem in engineering applications. Cavitating vortical structures can be found on the blade surfaces, in the clearance passages, and at the hubs of various types of turbomachinery. Cavitating microvortices at the trailing edge of attached sheet cavitation can be highly erosive. Cavitating hub vortices in the draft tubes of hydroturbines can cause major surges and power swings. There is also mounting evidence that vortex cavitation is a dominant factor in the inception process in a broad range of turbulent flows. Most research has focused on the inception process, with limited attention paid to developed vortex cavitation. Wave-like disturbances on the surfaces of vapor cores are an important feature. Vortex core instabilities in microvortices are found to be important factors in the erosion mechanisms associated with sheet/cloud cavitation. Under certain circumstances, intense sound at discrete frequencies can result from a coupli...

Effect of different initial conditions on a turbulent round free jet

Abstract: Velocity measurements were made in two jet flows, the first exiting from a smooth contraction nozzle and the second from a long pipe with a fully developed pipe flow profile. The Reynolds number, based on nozzle diameter and exit bulk velocity, was the same (≃86,000) in each flow. The smooth contraction jet flow developed much more rapidly and approached self-preservation more rapidly than the pipe jet. These differences were associated with differences in the turbulence structure in both the near and far fields between the two jets. Throughout the shear layer for x<3d, the peak in the v spectrum occurred at a lower frequency in the pipe jet than in the contraction jet. For x≥3d, the peaks in the two jets appeared to be nearly at the same frequency. In the pipe jet, the near-field distributions of f(r) and g(r), the longitudinal and transverse velocity correlation functions, differed significantly from the contraction jet. The integral length scale Lu was greater in the pipe jet, whereas Lv was smaller. In the far field, the distributions of f(r) and g(r) were nearly similar in the two flows. The larger initial shear layer thickness of the pipe jet produced a dimensionally lower frequency instability, resulting in longer wavelength structures, which developed and paired at larger downstream distances. The regular vortex formation and pairing were disrupted in the shear layer of the pipe jet. The streamwise vortices, which enhance entrainment and turbulent mixing, were absent in the shear layer of the pipe jet. The formation of large-scale structures should occur much farther downstream in the pipe jet than in the contraction jet.

Sound generation by a two-dimensional circular cylinder in a uniform flow

Abstract: The sound generated by a circular cylinder in a flow at low Mach numbers is investigated by direct solution of the two-dimensional unsteady compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Results show that sound pressure waves are generated primarily by vortex shedding from the cylinder surface into its wake. When a vortex is shed from one side of the cylinder, a negative pressure pulse is generated from that side whereas a positive pressure pulse is generated from the other side; alternate vortex shedding from the upper and lower sides of the cylinder produces negative and positive pulses alternately and thus produces sound pressure waves on both sides. The dipolar nature of the generated sound is confirmed; lift dipole dominates the sound field. The Doppler effect is shown to play an important role at finite Mach numbers. The direct solutions are also compared with the solutions obtained by Curle's acoustic analogy. The results show that Curle's solution describes well not only the generation mechanism of the sound but also the propagation process if we take the Doppler effect into consideration.

Role of Actuation Frequency in Controlled Flow Reattachment over a Stalled Airfoil

Abstract: The effect of the actuation frequency on the manipulation of the global aerodynamic forces on lifting surfaces using surface-mounted fluidic actuators based on synthetic (zero mass flux) jet technology is demonstrated in wind-tunnel experiments. The effect of the actuation is investigated at two ranges of (dimensionless) jet formation frequencies of the order of, or well above, the natural shedding frequency. The vortical structures within the separated flow region vary substantially when the dimensionless actuation frequency F + is varied between O(1) and O(10). When F + is O(1), the reattachment is characterized by the formation of large vortical structures at the driving frequency that persist well beyond the trailing edge of the airfoil. The formation and shedding of these vortices leads to unsteady attachment and, consequently, to a time-periodic variation in vorticity flux and in circulation. Actuation at F + of O(10) leads to a complete flow reattachment that is marked by the absence of organized vortical structures along the flow surface

Imprinting vortices in a Bose-Einstein condensate using topological phases.

Abstract: Vortices were imprinted in a Bose-Einstein condensate using topological phases. Sodium condensates held in a Ioffe-Pritchard magnetic trap were transformed from a nonrotating state to one with quantized circulation by adiabatically inverting the magnetic bias field along the trap axis. Using surface wave spectroscopy, the axial angular momentum per particle of the vortex states was found to be consistent with $2\ensuremath{\hbar}$ or $4\ensuremath{\hbar}$, depending on the hyperfine state of the condensate.

Computation of Flow Noise Using Source Terms in Linearized Euler's Equations

Abstract: An acoustic analogy using linearized Euler’ s equations (LEE) forced with aerodynamic source terms is investigated to computetheacousticfare eld. Thishybridmethod isappliedto threemodelproblemssimulatedby solving Navier‐Stokes equations. In this way, its validity is estimated by comparing the predicted acoustic e eld with the reference solution given directly by the Navier ‐Stokes equations. The noise radiated by two corotating vortices is studied: e rst, in a medium at rest and, second, in a mean sheared e ow with no convection velocity. Then the sound e eld generated by vortex pairings in a subsonic mixing layer is investigated. In this case, a simplie ed formulation of LEE is proposed to prevent the exponential growth of instability waves. The acoustic e elds obtained by solving LEE are in good agreement with the reference solution. This study shows that the source terms introduced into the LEE are appropriate for free sheared e ows and that acoustic ‐mean e ow interactions are properly taken into account in the wave operator. Nomenclature b = half-width of the monopolar source c = sound velocity E;F;H = vectors in linearized Euler’ s equations (LEE) f = frequency f0 = fundamental frequency of the mixing layer k = complex wave number, kr Ciki M = Mach number p = pressure Re = Reynolds number rc = vortex core radius r0 = initial half distance between the two vortices S = sound source vector in LEE Si = source terms in the momentum equations T = period Tij = Lighthill’ s tensor t = time U = unknown vector in LEE U1 = slow stream velocity of the mixing layer U2 = rapid stream velocity of the mixing layer u = velocity vector, .u1;u2/ Vµ = initial tangential velocity of vortices

Vortex lattice formation in a rotating Bose-Einstein condensate

Abstract: We study the dynamics of vortex lattice formation of a rotating trapped Bose-Einstein condensate by numerically solving the two-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation, and find that the condensate undergoes elliptic deformation, followed by unstable surface-mode excitations before forming a quantized vortex lattice. The origin of the peculiar surface-mode excitations is identified to be phase fluctuations at the low-density surface regime. The obtained dependence of a distortion parameter on time and that on the driving frequency agree with the recent experiments by Madison et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 4443 (2001)].

The velocity field under breaking waves: coherent structures and turbulence

Abstract: Digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) measurements of the velocity eld under breaking waves in the laboratory are presented. The region of turbulent fluid directly generated by breaking is too large to be imaged in one video frame and so an ensemble-averaged representation of the flow is built up from a mosaic of image frames. It is found that breaking generates at least one coherent vortex that slowly propagates downstream at a speed consistent with the velocity induced by its image in the free surface. Both the kinetic energy of the flow and the vorticity decay approximately as t 1 . The Reynolds stress of the turbulence also decays as t 1 and is, within the accuracy of the measurements, everywhere negative, consistent with downward transport of streamwise momentum. Estimates of the mometum flux from waves to currents based on the measurements of the Reynolds stress are consistent with earlier estimates. The implications of the measurements for breaking in the eld are discussed. Based on geometrical optics and wave action conservation, we suggest that the presence of the breaking-induced vortex provides an explanation for the suppression of short waves by breaking. Finally, in Appendices, estimates of the majority of the terms in the turbulent kinetic energy budget are presented at an early stage in the evolution of the turbulence, and comparisons with independent acoustical measurements of breaking are presented.

Mechanisms and passive control of crossflow-vortex-induced transition in a three-dimensional boundary layer

Abstract: Crossflow-vortex-induced laminar breakdown in a three-dimensional flat-plate boundary-layer flow is investigated in detail by means of spatial direct numerical simulations. The base flow is generic for an infinite swept wing, with decreasing favourable chordwise pressure gradient. First, the downstream growth and nonlinear saturation states initiated by a crossflow-vortex-mode packet as well as by single crossflow-vortex modes with various spanwise wavenumbers are simulated. Second, the secondary instability of the flow induced by the saturated crossflow vortices is scrutinized, clearly indicating the convective nature of the secondary instability and strengthening knowledge of the conditions for its onset. Emphasis is on the effect of crossflow-vortex-mode packets and of the spanwise vortex spacing on the secondary stability properties of the saturation states. Saturated uniform crossflow vortices initiated by single crossflow-vortex modes turn out to be less unstable than vortices initiated by a packet of vortex modes, and closely spaced saturated vortices are even stable. Third, we investigate the transition control strategy of upstream flow deformation by appropriate steady nonlinear vortex modes as applied in wind tunnel experiments at the Arizona State University. A significant transition delay is shown in the base flow considered here, and the underlying mechanisms are specified.

Three-dimensional flow structures and vorticity control in fish-like swimming

Abstract: We employ a three-dimensional, nonlinear inviscid numerical method, in conjunction with experimental data from live fish and from a fish-like robotic mechanism, to establish the three-dimensional features of the flow around a fish-like body swimming in a straight line, and to identify the principal mechanisms of vorticity control employed in fish-like swimming. The computations contain no structural model for the fish and hence no recoil correction. First, we show the near-body flow structure produced by the travelling-wave undulations of the bodies of a tuna and a giant danio. As revealed in cross-sectional planes, for tuna the flow contains dominant features resembling the flow around a two-dimensional oscillating plate over most of the length of the fish body. For the giant danio, on the other hand, a mixed longitudinal–transverse structure appears along the hind part of the body. We also investigate the interaction of the body-generated vortices with the oscillating caudal fin and with tail-generated vorticity. Two distinct vorticity interaction modes are identified: the first mode results in high thrust and is generated by constructive pairing of body-generated vorticity with same-sign tail-generated vorticity, resulting in the formation of a strong thrust wake; the second corresponds to high propulsive efficiency and is generated by destructive pairing of body-generated vorticity with opposite-sign tail-generated vorticity, resulting in the formation of a weak thrust wake.

Free-Vortex Filament Methods for the Analysis of Helicopter Rotor Wakes

Abstract: The theoretical basis and the numerical implementation of free-vortex filament methods are reviewed for application to the prediction and analysis of helicopter rotor wakes. The governing equations for the problem are described, with a discussion of finite difference approximations to these equations and various numerical solution techniques. Both relaxation and time-marching wake solution techniques are reviewed. It is emphasized how the careful consideration of stability and convergence (grid-independent behavior) are important to ensure a physically correct wake solution. The implementation of viscous diffusion and filament straining effects are also discussed. The need for boundary condition corrections to compensate for the inevitable wake truncation are described. Algorithms to accelerate the wake solution using velocity field interpolation are shown to reduce computational costs without a loss of accuracy. Several challenging examples of the application of free-vortex filament methods to helicopter rotor problems are shown, including multirotor configurations, flight near the ground, maneuvering flight conditions, and descending flight through the vortex ring state

Experimental analysis of hydrodynamics in a radially agitated tank

Abstract: A PIV technique is used to analyze the local hydrodynamics generated by a Rushton turbine. Different types of motion coexist in the tank: the mean flow (or global circulation), the periodic fluctuations (or trailing vortices) induced by the blade rotation in the impeller region, and the turbulent fluctuations (that dissipate the kinetic energy). These three kinds of motion can be estimated after experiments as soon as a triple decomposition of the velocity is performed. The mean velocity, the periodically induced stress, and the Reynolds stress are analyzed in the agitated tank, close to the impeller. These data are used for two purposes: to identify and quantify the transfer of kinetic energy between mean flow, periodic flow, and turbulence; and to estimate the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) from the balance of TKE, in which each term will be derived from experiments. Characteristics of turbulence are also presented and discussed.

Stable spinning optical solitons in three dimensions.

Abstract: We introduce spatiotemporal spinning solitons (vortex tori) of the three-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation with focusing cubic and defocusing quintic nonlinearities The first ever found completely stable spatiotemporal vortex solitons are demonstrated A general conclusion is that stable spinning solitons are possible as a result of competition between focusing and defocusing nonlinearities

Effect of high rotation rates on the laminar flow around a circular cylinder

Abstract: A two-dimensional numerical study on the laminar flow past a circular cylinder rotating with a constant angular velocity was carried out. The objectives were to obtain a consistent set of data for the drag and lift coefficients for a wide range of rotation rates not available in the literature and a deeper insight into the flow field and vortex development behind the cylinder. First, a wide range of Reynolds numbers (0.01⩽Re⩽45) and rotation rates (0⩽α⩽6) were considered for the steady flow regime, where α is the circumferential velocity at the cylinder surface normalized by the free-stream velocity. Furthermore, unsteady flow calculations were carried out for one characteristic Reynolds number (Re=100) in the typical two-dimensional (2D) vortex shedding regime with α varying in the range 0⩽α⩽2. Additionally, the investigations were extended to very high rotation rates (α⩽12) for which no data exist in the literature. The numerical investigations were based on a finite-volume flow solver enhanced by multi...

Propagation of Thermonuclear Flames on Rapidly Rotating Neutron Stars: Extreme Weather during Type I X-Ray Bursts

Abstract: We analyze the global hydrodynamic flow in the ocean of an accreting, rapidly rotating, nonmagnetic neutron star in a low-mass X-ray binary during a type I X-ray burst. We use both analytical arguments and numerical simulations of simplified models for ocean burning. Our analysis extends previous work by taking into account the rapid rotation of the star and the lift-up of the burning ocean during the burst. We find a new regime for the spreading of a nuclear burning front, where the flame is carried along a coherent shear flow across the front. If turbulent viscosity is weak, the speed of flame propagation is v_(flame) ~ (gh)^(1/2)/ft_n ~ 20 km s^(-1), where h is the scale height of the burning ocean, g is the local gravitational acceleration, t_n is the timescale for fast nuclear burning during the burst, and f is the Coriolis parameter, i.e., twice the local vertical component of the spin vector. If turbulent viscosity is dynamically important, the flame speed increases and reaches the maximum value, v^(max)_(flame_ ~ (gh/ft_n)^(1/2) ~ 300 km s^(-1), when the eddy overturn frequency is comparable to the Coriolis parameter f. We show that, as a result of rotationally reduced gravity, the thermonuclear runaway which ignites the ocean is likely to begin on the equator. The equatorial belt is ignited at the beginning of the burst, and the flame then propagates from the equator to the poles. Inhomogeneous cooling (equator first, poles second) of the hot ashes drives strong zonal currents which may be unstable to the formation of Jupiter-type vortices; we conjecture that these vortices are responsible for coherent modulation of X-ray flux in the tails of some bursts. We consider the effect of strong zonal currents on the frequency of modulation of the X-ray flux and show that the large values of the frequency drifts observed in some bursts can be accounted for within our model combined with the model of homogeneous radial expansion. Additionally, if vortices or other inhomogeneities are trapped in the forward zonal flows around the propagating burning front, fast chirps with large frequency ranges (~25-500 Hz) may be detectable during the burst rise. Finally, we argue that an MHD dynamo within the burning front can generate a small-scale magnetic field, which may enforce vertically rigid flow in the front's wake and can explain the coherence of oscillations in the burst tail.

Relation between kinematic boundaries, stirring, and barriers for the Antarctic polar vortex

Abstract: Maximum stretching lines in the lower stratosphere around the Antarctic polar vortex are diagnosed using a method based on finite-size Lyapunov exponents. By analogy with the mathematical results known for simple dynamical systems, these curves are identified as stable and unstable manifolds of the underlying hyperbolic structure of the flow. For the first time, the exchange mechanism associated with lobe dynamics is characterized using atmospheric analyzed winds. The tangling manifolds form a stochastic layer around the vortex. It is found that fluid is not only expelled from this layer toward the surf zone but also is injected inward from the surf zone, through a process similar to the turnstile mechanism in lobe dynamics. The vortex edge, defined as the location of the maximum gradient in potential vorticity or tracer, is found to be the southward (poleward) envelope of this stochastic layer. Exchanges with the inside of the vortex are therefore largely decoupled from those, possibly intense, exchanges between the stochastic layer and the surf zone. It is stressed that using the kinematic boundary defined by the hyperbolic points and the manifolds as an operational definition of vortex boundary is not only unpractical but also leads to spurious estimates of exchanges. The authors anticipate that more accurate dynamical systems tools are needed to analyze stratospheric transport in terms of lobe dynamics.