Numerical simulation of compressible plane jets

Two- and three-dimensional spatial direct numerical simulations of a compressible plane jet exhausting into a parallel stream are described. These simulations reveal the inadequacy of a two-dimensional model in capturing the totality of the flow physics. In two dimensions, instabilities evolve into highly organized large-scale mixing events; two-dimensional time-averaged turbulence quantities also suffer from artificial vortex organization. Mean normal velocity profiles show a significant reduction in entrainment with increased compressibility, while the effect is much less pronounced in three dimensions. While streamwise and spanwise turbulence intensities exhibit no change with increased compressibility, normal intensity and shear stress are significantly reduced.