Study of a Mixing Layer Formed by a Supersonic Main Stream of Air and a Co-Flowing Supersonic Helium Jet

The development of large-scale organised motions in a compressible mixing layer is studied experimentally using holographic interferometry, pressure and turbulence measurements. The mixing layer was formed behind the base of a parallel strut with a Mach 2 air main stream and a co-flowing two-dimensional slot jet (aspect ratio = 45) of helium at a Mach number of 1.2. The mixing layer exhibited highly organised vortical structures which were elongated and inclined approximately 45–50° to the flow direction. The mixing layer showed a linear growth and the mean velocity data indicated self-similar behaviour at sufficiently downstream distances. The results have shown that the thickness of the primary boundary layer has a strong influence on the growth and structure of the mixing layer. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.