Growth and separation of a start-up vortex from a two-dimensional shear layer

The evolution of an isolated line vortex generated by a starting two-dimensional jet is studied experimentally using time-resolved particle image velocimetry. The vortex growth in this current configuration is not linked to any externally imposed length scales or interactions with other vortical structures or walls that could potentially influence vortex growth. A model for the early-stage vortex growth, based on the transport of circulation from the shear layer into the vortex, is proposed and found to agree well with experimental data. The model provides a scaling scheme for vortex growth using shear-layer characteristic velocity and shear-layer thickness. The vortex growth is limited through a gradual separation of the vortex from the feeding shear layer, arising from decreased shear-layer curvature. This phenomenon is linked to a competition between the shear-layer tendency to remain in the streamwise direction and the induced velocity from the vortex on the shear layer. Finally, a dimensionless number representing this competition is introduced, which in turn is able to describe the gradual separation of the vortex from the shear layer.