Mixing Effects and Hydrodynamics of Vortex Rings

Abstract

<p>Vortex rings are considered a promising means of mixing stratified fluids, e.g. in the blending of oils and the destabilisation of thermocline in harbours and lakes. In the presence of pollutants, a thermocline causes a deterioration in water quality and produces environmental problems .</p> <p>The first two chapters discuss the history of vortex rings and the experimental procedures used to obtain stratification of fluids in a laboratory tank . Chapter 3 describes the energy relationships of vortex rings and provides an expression for the minimum potential energy required to mix a given stratified fluid. The results are given in Chapter 4 and the energy and volumetric efficiencies are discussed in Chapter 5.</p> <p>Generation of large and powerful rings for industrial mixing purposes is discussed in Chapter 6 , the hydrodynamic testing of these rings produced at a 25.4 cm orifice is discussed in Chapter 8. The conclusions from both the laboratory mixing tests and the hydrodynamic testing of large rings are given in Chapter 9.</p>