Numerical solutions of the steady-state vorticity equation in rectangular basins

Abstract

The Navier-Stokes vorticity equation is solved numerically for the circulation induced in a vertical plane, by a constant stress acting on a liquid, enclosed in a basin of uniform depth and vertical sides.Solutions of the linearized vorticity equation are obtained for all Reynolds numbers (τsD2/4ρν2 where νs is the surface stress, ρ is the density, ν is the kinematic viscosity, and D is the depth of the liquid) and solutions of the complete vorticity equation for Reynolds numbers 0–400.The notable feature of the solutions is the totally different end circulations. At the upwind end the flow becomes very slack, and the vorticity equation has a boundary-layer limit, while at the downwind end a damped wave occurs and the equation has an inviscid limit.At Reynolds numbers between 400 and 600, the streamlines at the downwind end lead to a condition of hydrodynamic instability, in approximate agreement with some experimental observations by G. H. Keulegan.