On the Use of Vortex Identification for the Optimization of Trapped Vortex Devices

Vortices play an important role in a wide range of engineering applications, such as fuel mixing, high-lift devices or delta wings. Controlling the position and intensity of generated vortices is desirable for achieving optimal performance. Present work deals with a passive control of vortices in the wake of aerodynamic devices. The shape of a two dimensional bluff body is optimized to achieve targeted parameters of generated vortices. The flowfields computed by CFD are processed by using a vortex detection algorithm based on the triple decomposition of motion, selected for its ability to distinguish swirling motion from shear. Its quantitative outcome, characterising the strength and location of the vortices, serves to define the objective function for optimization. The successful application of the proposed procedure to two-dimensional bluff body configurations demonstrates how the shape of an aerodynamic device can be altered to achieve targeted parameters of generated vortices.