Global Vorticity Shedding on Rectangular and Streamlined Foil Geometries

We explore several aspects of the fluid phenomenon we call global vorticity shedding. Global vorticity shedding occurs when an object in a fluid with circulation suddenly vanishes, shedding the entirety of the boundary layer vorticity into the wake at once. Global vorticity shedding is in distinct contrast with traditional massive separation shedding, in which vorticity is shed from a body from only a few separation points into the fluid. In our experiments, we approximate the disappearance of a towed foil by rapidly retracting the foil in the span-wise direction. We show that for a square-tipped vanishing foil at an angle of attack, the globally shed boundary layer vorticity forms into primary vortices, which evolve and eventually amalgamate with secondary vortices to leave two lasting vortices in the wake. The secondary vortices are a result of three-dimensionality in the flow. We further explore streamlined foil geometries to achieve a simpler and less three-dimensional wake. Vortex formation times are small, with vortices fully formed nearly instantaneously in the flow, making the application of global vorticity shedding promising for a force transducer to impart large and fast maneuvering forces on an underwater vehicle.