Two-dimensional (2-D) DNS investigations of extinction and reignition dynamics during interactions of laminar nonpremixed flames with counterrotating vortex pairs are performed. The length and velocity scales chosen for the vortices are representative of those in the near fields of high-Reynolds-number jets such as those occurring in Diesel engines. The governing equations are solved with sixth-order spatial discretization and fourth-order time integration. Chemistry is modeled as an irreversible single-step reaction. Local extinction along the symmetry axis, followed by reignition, is observed. The extinction is characterized by strong unsteady effects, which are captured well by 1-D transient diffusion flamelet libraries, provided the time-history of the instantaneous scalar dissipation rate is taken into account. On the other hand, reignition is essentially a 2-D phenomenon involving flame-flame interactions, which are favored for smaller vortices and increasing flame curvature. The effects of unsteadiness and curvature on extinction and reignition are carefully assessed through parametric studies involving a range of vortex and flame characteristics. The interaction outcomes are summarized on Reynolds-Damkohler number (Re-Da) diagrams, which show the combined effects of unsteadiness and curvature on extinction and reignition. The implications of the observed interaction outcomes for turbulent combustion modeling in the near fields of jet diffusion flames are discussed. (c) 2007 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.