A model of defect-induced pairing in mixing layers

Abstract

Experiment have shown that the well-known vortex pairing process may take place first in defect regions where the fundamental structure is weakest. A model is introduced here to describe this defect-induced pairing process. The model is constructed in such a way that, in a certain parameter range, a stable fundamental mode and a stable subharmonic mode may coexist. The numerical simulation demonstrates that, when initial conditions consist of a dominant fundamental with one or more defects, the subharmonic component is preferentially generated in the cores of these defects. Moreover, the results also indicate that pairing may first commence wherever the fundamental mode is weakest provided the white-noise level of the subharmonic is high enough. The numerical results are in good agreement with experimental observations.