The variation of the index of refraction in a vortex tube

Three models of a vortex tube (isentropic, isothermal, and isochoric) are considered as optical inhomogeneities. Expressions relating the index of refraction to the coordinate are obtained. The possibility of obtaining Schlieren pictures of such flows is discussed.Notation a speed of sound - n index of refraction - p pressure - r radius - T absolute temperature - v linear velocity - angular deflection of the beam - x adiabatic exponent - density - angular velocity - ¯v, ¯p etc. dimensionless parameters - v₀, ₀ values at the core bounboundary - p, etc. stagnation values - n_c index of refraction at center of vortex