Navier-Stokes simulations of axisymmetric vortex rings
The solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations by means of a spectral method is used in the present numerical investigation of viscous axisymmetric vortex rings, in the cases of a single ring over the 0.001-1000 Re number range, and a pair of interacting rings. The propagation speeds of vortex rings of varying Re are computed and compared with the results of Saffman's (1970) theory; the present error estimate is found to be smaller than Saffman's, and to decrease with increasing Re at fixed core/ring radius ratio. The 'leapfrogging' of two vortex rings of equal sign and Re=1000 each is observed, indicating severe strain of the vortex core through the first pass and merging during the second pass.