Vortex Flows

Vortex flow

When fluid flows in a circular paths where the streamlines of a flow field are concentric circles is called vortex flow.

Solid Body Rotation

For solid body or forced vortex rotation, the velocity is proportional to the radius of the streamline. In terms of polar coordinate, and .

The vorticity of the fluid element in polar coordinate above the z-axis is

Irrotational vortex

For irrotational or free vortex rotation, the velocity is inversely proportional to the radius of the streamline. In terms of polar coordinate, and .

The vorticity of the fluid element in polar coordinate above the z-axis is