On the downstream development and breakup of systems of trailing-line vortices

The downstream evolution of two configurations of trailing-line vortex systems is considered and analysed from the point of view of bi-global instability. The results lead to predictions for the breakup of the systems considered, based primarily on stability analysis. Throughout, the analysis is entirely rational from the theoretical (asymptotic, large Reynolds number) point of view, with a relatively long developmental lengthscale in the streamwise direction for the base flow, and a relatively short streamwise wavelength for the bi-global stability analysis. As such, the stability modes are inviscid in nature, and therefore likely to be one of the dominant instability mechanisms. The issue of adverse streamwise freestream pressure gradients is also addressed, and it is suggested that these can lead to a rapid breakdown/up of a vortex system, analogous to the axisymmetric case discussed by Hall (Ann Rev Fluid Mech 4:195-218, 1972). © 2010 Springer-Verlag.