Local flow topology and velocity gradient invariants in compressible turbulent mixing layer

The local flow topology is studied using the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor in compressible turbulent mixing layer via direct numerical simulation (DNS) data. The topological and dissipating behaviours of the flow are analysed in two different regions: in proximity of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI), and inside the turbulent region. It is found that the distribution of various flow topologies in regions close to the TNTI differs from inside the turbulent region, and in these regions the most probable topologies are non-focal. In order to better understand the behaviour of different flow topologies, the probability distributions of vorticity norm, dissipation and rate of stretching are analysed in incompressible, compressed and expanded regions. It is found that the structures undergoing compression–expansion in axial–radial directions have the highest contraction rate in locally compressed regions, and in locally expanded regions the structures undergoing expansion–compression in axial–radial directions have the highest stretching rate. The occurrence probability of different flow topologies conditioned by the dilatation level is presented and it is shown that the structures in the locally compressed regions tend to have stable topologies while in locally expanded regions the unstable topologies are prevalent.