Three-dimensional instability on the interaction between a vortex and a stationary sphere

We present direct numerical simulations of the interaction between a vortex ring and a stationary sphere for Re = 2,000. We analyze the vortex dynamics of the ring as it approaches the sphere surface, and the boundary layer formed on the surface of the sphere undergoes separation to form a secondary vortex ring. This secondary vortex ring can develop azimuthal instabilities, which grow rapidly as it interacts with the primary ring. The azimuthal instabilities on both rings are characterized by analysis of the azimuthal component decomposition of the axial vorticity.