A discrete vortex simulation of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

It is shown that rediscretization allows the calculation to continue beyond the times of previous calculations with a high degree of accuracy. On comparison with the results of Zalosh (1976), the irregular movement of the vortices, the time limit of the calculation, and associated inaccuracies in predictions are not evident. The results exhibit both quantitative and qualitative agreement with analytical predictions. These overall improvements derive from rediscretization, which prevents the close approach of vortices and also makes possible the implementation of higher-order numerical schemes through the incorporation of cubic splines. The predictions of Chandrasekhar (1961) and Drazin (1970) cited here result from a linear stability analysis. The discrete vortex simulations demonstrate the validity of the prediction to a nonlinear calculation.