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Three-dimensional Particle Tracking Velocimetry for Turbulence Applications: Case of a Jet Flow
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Gradient vortex dynamics in 3D-weak turbulence
Rubens A Sautter1, Reinaldo R Rosa2, Debora C Alavarce3
1Academic Department of Informatics, UTFPR, Pato Branco, PR, 85503-390, Brazil. rubenssautter@utfpr.edu.br.
Scientific Reports
|September 30, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel, low-cost method to analyze 3D vortex dynamics in weak turbulence. The phase-gradient analysis reveals distinct regimes of vortex formation and helical patterns in turbulent flows.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Computational Physics
Background:
- Vortex dynamics are crucial in physical and chemical turbulent processes.
- Understanding 3D vortex emergence in weak turbulence is challenging.
- Current methods for analyzing vortex dynamics can be computationally intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computationally efficient method for characterizing 3D vortex ring formation and screw-like patterns.
- To analyze gradient vortex dynamics using phase fluctuations in gradient patterns.
- To investigate transient primary structures generated by the Complex Ginzburg-Landau equation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gradient vortex dynamics by measuring phase fluctuations in 3D amplitude-derived gradient patterns.
- Simulation of transient structures using the Complex Ginzburg-Landau amplitude equation.
- Integration of gradient pattern analysis with spectral measurements and recurrence plots.
Main Results:
- A novel association between phase turbulence and helical oscillations induced by vorticity was established.
- Phase-gradient analysis and aspect ratio measurements identified at least four distinct regimes of vortex dynamics.
- Spectral measurements and recurrence plots were introduced as tools for characterizing weak turbulence and spatiotemporal chaos.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers new insights into the interplay between phase turbulence and vortex dynamics.
- This approach provides a new perspective for studying the formation of 3D coherent structures.
- This research presents the first detailed simulation, visualization, and analysis of 3D screw dynamics in phase turbulence.
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