Lagrangian coherent structures in fluids and plasmas

• Grant number: 15/07025-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: August 02, 2015
• End date: August 29, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Erico Luiz Rempel
• Grantee: Erico Luiz Rempel
• Visiting researcher: Francisco Javier Beron-Vera
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Miami, United States
• Host Institution: Divisão de Ciências Fundamentais (IEF). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In recent years, our group has been successful in the introduction of nonlinear techniques for the detection of coherent structures in magnetized fluids. In particular, we have used an approach based on Lagrangian chaos obtaining the finite time Lyapunov exponents (FTLE) of particles advected by the fluid to determine the Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS), which are separatrix that direct the flow dynamics, being important in the transport of heat and light particles, besides indicating regions that are prone for the magnetic reconnection. However, in recent years the fluid dynamics community has developed new techniques which are more accurate in the detection of coherent structures than the FTLE. One of the pioneers in this field is Prof. Francisco Beron-Vera, co-responsible for the development of the geodetic theory of Lagrangian coherent structures. He agreed to visit us in August 2015 to teach us his new technique through a short course to be given to the teachers, researchers and students of the Technological Institute of Aeronautics. (AU)