On a generalization of Kaden's problem

Abstract

Kaden's problem of the roll-up of an initially planar semi-infinite vortex sheet with a parabolic distribution of circulation is extended to include vortex sheets exhibiting a general power law circulation distribution, resulting in the presence of a power law, and in one case a logarithmic-like, velocity-field singularity. Both semi-infinite and infinite initially plane sheets with this property are considered and the form of their roll-up in the similarity plane, into single and double-branched spirals respectively, is obtained numerically. Estimates of the Betz constant obtained from the solutions are found to be significantly different from values predicted by the Betz approximation.

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