Study on the Symmetry of Vortex Structure Distribution in a Cavity

Abstract

The symmetric distribution characteristics of vortex structure of two-dimensional steady flow in a cavity are obtained by theoretical analysis and numerical verification. Based on establishing the non-dimensional governing equations and its boundary conditions used to describe the flow, the symmetric distribution law of vortex structure of cavity driven flow with different Reynolds numbers, depth-to-width ratios and speed ratios is explained theoretically. The computational fluid dynamics method (CFD) is applied to simulate cavity driven flow and to verify the theoretical analysis. For two equal speeds and opposite driving lids, the vortex structure is symmetric about the center of the rectangular cavity. For two lids driving with equal speeds and in the same direction, the vortex structure is symmetric about the horizontal centerline of the rectangular cavity. When Reynolds number approaches zero, the vortex structure is symmetric about the vertical centerline of the rectangular cavity.