Jiten Chandra Kalita: Critical points and vortical structures in 3D separated viscous flows

Of late, topological construction of velocity and skin friction field has become a powerful tool for flow field diagnostic and interpretation. In this study, we endeavour to gain some physical insight into the 3D lid driven cavity flow by a rigorous topological theory. The computed flow is post processed to identify critical points in the flow field leading to the prediction of separation, reattachment and vortical structures in the flow. The types of critical points found in the flow field is in accordance with the Poincare's formula.