Observations of Wave-induced Vortices over Ripples
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Date
2007-04
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Abstract
Our understanding of vortex generation over rippled beds is largely based on small-scale laboratory studies. The insight
provided by such studies has been considerable, although questions remain regarding the applicability to the field. This
paper presents observations from a full-scale investigation of wave-induced vortex generation events over a movable
sediment bed. Observations of the two-dimensional time varying velocity field were obtained with a submersible
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system in a field-scale, experimental environment at the O. H. Hinsdale Wave
Research Laboratory. The observations were obtained over an irregularly rippled bed with ripple heights of 0.01
m and wavelength of roughly 0.1 m. The vortices generated during offshore directed flow over the steeper bed form
slope were regularly ejected into the water column. The observations allowed for an examination of the generation and
subsequent ejection of individual vortical structures. Vortical structures are identified with a measure of the flow field
that estimates the time for a complete revolution of a vortice called swirling strength. An analysis of these structures
reveals that the swirling strength non-dimensionalized by the wave period is correlated to the Keulegan-Carpenter.
These results offer new insight into fluid sediment interaction over rippled beds.
Description
Engineering: 2nd Place (The Ohio State University Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum)
Keywords
Coastal Processes, Vorticity, Oscillatory Waves, Rippled Bed