On a model-based analysis of vortex formations and decay in flows through bio-inspired T-shaped cavities

Abstract

Fluidic transport in inverted T-shaped cavities with the flow entering through the top and exiting from the two bottom outlets experiences an interesting phenomenon that causes particles having density lower than that of the fluid medium to get trapped at the junction, in a horizontal formation. However, this only occurs across a small range of Reynolds numbers and that too in the laminar regime. The unexpected phenomenon is conjectured to be modulated by formation of vortex tubes in the flow. Interestingly enough, such T-shaped (or, more generically, Y-shaped) cavities are also seen quite widely in anatomic pathways, e.g., in animal upper airways. It can be hypothesized that this trapping phenomenon can emerge in such geometries as well. Our current model simulates the occurrence with water as the ambient fluid medium passing through an idealized T-shaped space and measures the length of the vortices in each of the arms of the junction. In our study, we have conducted the investigation using a Reynolds number of 400 that lies in the laminar regime and have estimated the vortex tube lengths using the concept of nodal maximum velocities that the streamwise flow would attain on vortex dissipation. Vorticity and helicity contour variations as one goes further away from the junction have also been reported.