Rossi, Louis F.2005-02-172005-02-172001http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/344This manuscript introduces a new vortex method based on elliptical Gaussian basis functions. Each basis function translates, nutates, elongates and spreads through the action of the local flow field and fluid viscosity. By allowing elements to deform, the method captures the effects of local flow deviations with a fourth order spatial accuracy. This method uses a fourth order asymptotic approximation to the Biot-Savart integrals for elliptical Gaussian vorticity distributions to determine velocity and velocity derivatives. A robust adaptive refinement procedure reconfigures elements that spread beyond the specified resolution. The high order convergence rate is verified by comparing calculations with the vortex method to exact solutions in a variety of controlled experiments.310496 bytesapplication/pdfen-USvortex methodsvorticity dynamicscomputational fl uid dynamicsconvergence theoryAMS: 35Q30, 41A25, 41A30, 65D99, 65M12, 65M50, 65M60, 76D05Technical Report