The influence of azimuthal velocity and a parallel wall on vortex ring evolution

This thesis explores the dynamics of vortex ring evolution, when influenced by either swirling flow, or a nearby parallel wall. A numerical algorithm is used to explore these dynamics, over various parameter spaces. It is shown that swirling vortex rings experience an equilibration period in a similar manner to non-swirling vortex rings. The instability characteristics of such rings are isolated and compared to those of Batchelor vortex pairs. Finally, the influence of a wall placed parallel to the translation axis of a vortex is explored, and the increase in wall-normal flow rate due to the ring identified.