Forced and Periodic Vortex Breakdown

The results of an experimental study of the forced and periodic breakdown of a confined vortex rotating in the opposite direction are presented. The vortex tube consists of two chambers connected by a short conduit through streamlined transitions. The upstream end is closed by a plain wall, and a circular orifice is provided at the downstream end. The swirling flow and the breaker-vortex are generated by introducing varying proportions of air or water through tangential ports located near the upstream and downstream walls of the unit. The cases of single breakdown and periodic breakdown are explored and typical data are presented for each case. Finally, the pros and cons of the two existing transition theories are discussed.