Numerical prediction of eddy structure in a shear-driven cavity

Abstract

We present in this paper a detailed numerical study of the vortical flow structure in a confined lid-driven cavity which is defined by a depth-to-width aspect ratio of 1:1 and a span-to-width aspect ratio of 3:1. In this study we have carefully examined the computed data that the useful to gain an in-depth knowledge of the complex interactions among secondary eddies, primary eddies, and spiraling spanwise motions. Chief of conclusions drawn from this study is to explain how the secondary eddies are intimately coupled with the primary recirculating flow. We also enlighten in this paper why spiraling vortices inside the upstream secondary eddy tend to destabilize the incompressible flow system and aid development of laminar instabilities.