Experimental investigation of flow in nozzles of gas-dynamic lasers

To produce an active medium in a gas-dynamic laser, it is necessary to ensure rapid and deep cooling of a mixture of gases (usually CO₂-N₂-H₂O). For this, one uses, as a rule, flat supersonic nozzles with a corner point that are designed for obtaining a flow with Mach number M=4.5–6. The requirements on their dimensions and profile are determined by the kinetics of the relaxation processes in the expanding gas stream and the need to obtain at the exit a sufficiently uniform field of the gas-dynamic parameters. Because of the complexity of making nozzles, one frequently uses simplified shapes, which generate shock waves in the resonator cavity. This increases the divergence of the laser beam and reduces the population inversion of the vibrational levels of the CO₂ molecule [1] because of the growth of the temperature and the density behind shock waves. Therefore, for the correct interpretation of the results of measurements of the gain of a weak signal and correct comparison with calculations, it is necessary to make a combined study of the inversion properties of the flow and the aerodynamics of the flow. In the present work, we have investigated the flow structure in a number of small flat nozzles. Data on measurements of in a gas-dynamic laser using these nozzles are given in [2].Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 178–182, September–October, 1980.     

Experimental investigation of the separation of flow around a sphere

The results of an experimental investigation of the flow around a sphere over a broad range of Mach numbers M=0.3–3 and Reynolds numbers Re=3·10⁴–3·10⁷ are presented. The experiments were carried out on a ballistic test stand and in a wind tunnel. Flow patterns and pressure distributions were obtained. In particular, the effect of the Mach and Reynolds numbers on the position of the separation point and the edge shock was studied; the pressure distribution on the sphere was measured; and a nonmonotonic displacement of the flow separation point upon passage through the speed of sound was established.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 152–156, January–February, 1991.     

Experimental investigation of the wave-induced flow around a surface-touching cylinder

The wave-induced flow around a circular cylinder near both a rigid wall and an erodible bed is experimentally investigated using Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). The aim of this study is to gain quantitative information on the local mean flow, the vorticity dynamics and the evolution of the erodible bed. The flow is characterized in terms of the Keulegan–Carpenter (KC), Reynolds (Re) and Ursell (U_r) numbers. The effects of changing these parameters over the ranges 1<KC<31, 3×10³<Re<2.6×10⁴ and 1.5<U_r<152 are investigated. For KC<1.1 the flow does not separate. When KC increases, the flow becomes unstable and large-scale vortical structures develop. The dimensionless intensity (|Γ^⁎|) depends non-monotonically on KC, with a local maximum at KC=17, and the dimensionless area of the same macrovortex (A^⁎) follows a somewhat similar law. Although the dimensionless boundary layer thickness (δ^⁎) exhibits some discontinuities between KC regimes, it decreases with KC at x/D=0.5, as x/D=1 weakly depends on KC and can be regarded as constant (δ^⁎=0.7) and then, increases with KC when moving away from the cylinder. These findings are used to interpret the physics governing the flow around a cylinder touching a wall and are compared with available results from the literature (Sumer et al., 1991). The evolution of the scour mechanism occurring over an erodible sandy bed is also investigated. The validity of some empirical formulas in the literature is also tested on the basis of the available dataset. The empirical relationships of Cevik and Yuksel (1999) and Sumer and Fredsøe (1990) for the dimensionless scour depth (S/D) agree well with our results. The dimensionless scour width (W_s/D) is predicted well by Sumer and Fredsøe's (2002) empirical equation for KC<23, whereas Catano-Lopera and Garcia's (2007) formula is more accurate for higher values of KC.     

Experimental investigation of the flow around a radially vibrating circular cylinder

This work aims to develop a process for controlling a cylinder wake, especially the von Karman vortex street, in such way so as to drastically reduce the drag coefficient. A new technique for influencing the cylinder wake is proposed in the present experimental study. The flow around a circular cylinder is perturbed by temporarily changing the cylinder diameter. Experiments have been performed for Reynolds numbers in the range Re=9,500 to Re=31,500. Three values of the controlling frequencies are considered: fs₁=0.41, fs₂=0.54 and fs₃=0.73, in addition to the stationary case corresponding to a non-deformable cylinder, fs₀=0. The visualisation flow shows that the pulsing motion of the cylinder walls greatly influences both the near and far wake dynamics. A decrease of the drag is expected.

Experimental investigation on the flow around a simplified geometry of automotive engine compartment

In the current sustainable development context, car manufacturers have to keep doing efforts to reduce the aerodynamic drag of automotive vehicle in order to decrease their CO₂ and greenhouse gas emissions. The cooling airflow, through the engine compartment of vehicles, contributes from 5 to 10% to the total aerodynamic drag. By means of simplified car geometry, equipped with an engine compartment, the configurations that favor a low contribution to total drag are identified. PIV (particle image velocimetry) velocity measurements in the wake of the geometry allow explaining these drag reductions. Besides, the cooling flow rate is also assessed and gives indications on the configurations that favor the engine cooling.     

Experimental investigation of mean flow characteristics of slot jet impingement on a cylinder

An experimental investigation is made to study the flow characteristics of slot jet impingement on a cylinder. The velocity profiles and pressure distribution around the cylinder are reported for various parameters namely, the flow rate, width of the nozzle, distance of the cylinder from the jet exit and eccentricity of the cylinder to the jet axis.

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Experimentelle Untersuchung über die Strömungseigenschaften eines Düsenstrahls, der auf einen Zylinder aufprallt

Zusammenfassung Es wurde eine experimentelle Untersuchung gemacht, um die Strömungseigenschaften eines Düsenstrahls zu unterschen, der auf einen Zylinder prallt. Die Geschwindigkeitsprofile und die Druckverteilungen an dem Zylinder wurden für unterschiedliche Parameter dokumentiert. Die Parameter sind die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit, Düsengröße, Abstand zwischen Zylinder und Strahlaustritt und die Exzentrizität von Zylinder und Strahlachse.

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Nomenclature B breadth of the nozzle at the exit - D diameter of the cylinder - C _p pressure coefficient - g acceleration due to gravity - L distance of the cylinder from jet exit - P _a atmospheric pressure - P _c static pressure along the jet center-line - P ₀ stagnation pressure - P _W wall static pressure - Re _D Reynolds numberu _j D/ _a - Re _W Reynolds numberu _j W/ _a - r distance measured from cylinder surface in radial direction - r _m position of maximum velocity from cylinder surface - r _0.5 half width of the jet - u mean velocity - u _j mean velocity at the jet exit - u _m maximum velocity - W width of the nozzle - _a density of air - _m density of mercury - _w density of water - absolute viscosity - kinematic viscosity     

Experimental investigation flow structure and hydraulic resistance of a cylindrical duct with injection a fan slot jet

The paper describes results of an experimental study of pressure and velocity fields arising during normal injection of a radial slot jet into ducted flow. The experiments were carried out for slots of two different widths and for injection parameters varying in a broad range. The pressure profile along the duct length plotted in generalized coordinates was found to be quite a universal distribution. Experimental correlations for the minimum rarefaction in the separation region behind the injected jet were obtained, and comparison was made with the results of simplest numerical analysis. Results of measurements of local hydraulic losses are presented for the duct section where the normal injection of the slot jet was organized. The experimental data are shown to be underestimated compared with the results predicted by the theory of perfect mixing for a ducted flow with mass supply. The possible reasons of hydraulic losses coefficient behavior are discussed.     

Experimental investigation of a free-surface turbulent jet with Coanda effect

The deviation of a jet from the straight direction due to the presence of a lateral wall is investigated from the experimental point of view. This flow condition is known as Coanda jet (from the Romanian aerodynamicist Henry Marie Coanda who discovered and applied it at the beginning of XXth century) or offset jet. The objective of the work is to detail the underlying mechanisms of such a phenomenon aiming to use it as a flow control method at polluted river flows mouth. To do this, a large laboratory free-surface tank with an incoming channel has been set up and velocity field measurements are performed by Optical Flow methods (namely Feature Tracking). Preliminary tests on the well-known free jet configuration without any marine structure (i.e. lateral wall) are performed to allow comparison with free jet scaling and self-similar solutions. The presence of the free-surface gives rise to centerline velocity decay which is lower than in free unbounded plane or circular jets due to the vertically limited ambient fluid entrainment. In the second part of the paper, the effect of a lateral wall on the jet configuration is examined by placing it at different lateral distances from the jet outlet. The resulting velocity fields clearly show an inclined Coanda jet with details which seems to depend on the lateral wall distance itself. The analysis of self-similarity along the inclined jet direction reveals that for wall distances larger than 5 jet widths this dependence almost disappears.     

Experimental investigation of some singularities of the supersonic flow around V-shaped wings

Some results are presented of an experimental investigation of the stream configuration in a supersonic flow over the windward and leeward sides of V-shaped wings.     

Interaction of a heavy fluid flow in a channel with a transverse jet barrier

An experimental and numerical analysis of the interaction between a plane horizontal water flow in a rectangular channel (free water current) and a plane thin water jet (water jet curtain) is presented; the jet flows out vertically from either a slot nozzle in the bottom of the channel or the crest of a rigid spillway at a velocity appreciably (several times) greater than the water velocity in the channel. Numerical calculations were carried out using the STAR-CD software package preliminarily tested against the experimental data obtained. The dependence of the water level in the channel at a certain distance ahead of the jet barrier on the main jet parameters and the water flow rate in the horizontal channel is studied. It is found that in the region of the interface between the flows both steady and unsteady (self-oscillatory) flow patterns can be realized. Steady stream/jet interaction patterns of the “ejection” and “ejection-spillway” types are distinguished and a criterion separating these regimes is obtained. The notion of a rigid spillway equivalent to a jet curtain is introduced and an approximate dependence of its height on the relevant parameters of the problem is derived. The possibility of effectively controlling the water level ahead of a rigid spillway with a sharp edge by means of a plane water jet flowing from its crest is investigated. The boundary of transition to self-oscillation interaction patterns in the region of the flow interface is determined. The structure of these flows and a possible mechanism of their generation are described. Within the framework of the inviscid incompressible fluid model in the approximate formulation for a “thin” jet, an analytical dependence of the greatest possible depth of a reservoir filled with a heavy fluid at rest and screened by a vertical jet barrier on the jet parameters is obtained.     

Experimental investigation of a three-dimensional viscous underexpanded jet

The three-dimensional interaction of jet issuing from two- and four-nozzle systems into ambient space or an outer flow has been investigated experimentally. The range of the important parameters include the following: pressure imbalance n=P_a=/P=10–1.5·10², Mach number at the nozzle exit M_a=3.15, Mach number of the outer flow M=0, 3.1, and 6, the flow is turbulent in the mixing layer (P_a and P are the static pressures at the nozzle exit and in the outer flow). It is shown that the interaction of the jets broadens a multinozzle jet considerably in the plane of interaction, which is a plane of symmetry and which passes through the axis of the system between neighboring nozzles. The cross-sectional shape of a four-nozzle jet is cross-like over the entire length of the initial segment of the jet. The width of the mixing layer in the plane of interaction is considerably larger than in the central plane, which passes through the axis of opposed nozzles.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 21–26, September–October, 1974.     

Numerical investigation of flow structures around a sphere

A numerical investigation of flow around a sphere is performed and compared with previous studies. Here, a second-order accurate, finite volume method is used in order to predict the instantaneous and time-averaged flow characteristics using large eddy simulation (LES) on the multi-block grid system. Namely, the objectives of this article are: (i) the presentation of flow structures in the wake region downstream of the sphere with a wide variety of flow properties such as the distribution of velocity vectors, patterns of streamlines, Reynolds stress correlations, root mean square of velocity components and other time-averaged flow data in order to reveal the vortical flow structures in detail and (ii) to demonstrate the abilities of computational methods in simulation of vortical flow data. Finally, it has been concluded that there are good agreements between the experimental results and numerical predictions.     

Experimental investigation of the interaction between a plane wall jet and a parallel offset jet

The dual-jet flow generated by a plane wall jet and a parallel offset jet at an offset ratio of d/w = 1.0 has been investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The particle images are captured, processed, and subsequently used to characterize the flow in terms of the 2D velocity and vorticity distributions. Statistical characteristics of the flow are obtained through ensemble averaging of 360 instantaneous velocity fields. Also presented is a time series of instantaneous flow fields to illustrate the dynamic interaction between the two jets. Results reveal that the near field of the flow is characterized by a periodic large-scale Karman-like vortex shedding similar to what would be expected in the wake of a bluff body. The existence of the Karman-like vortices results in periodic interactions between the two jets; in addition, these vortices produce noticeable impact on the jet outer layers, i.e., the free shear layer of the offset jet and the wall boundary layer of the wall jet. A schematic of vortex/shear layer interaction is proposed to illustrate the flow pattern.     

Experimental investigation of the effect of cross wire on the flow field of elliptic jet

The effectiveness of cross wire in controlling the mixing characteristics of a circular and an equivalent elliptic jet is investigated experimentally. While circular jets are conventional, elliptic jets have gained attention due to their better mixing characteristics and faster decay. To further explore and augment the capabilities of elliptic jets for practical utility, it is investigated whether using an elliptic jet with cross wire control gives additional benefit in terms of mixing enhancement over an axisymmetric jet. Experiments are performed for subsonic and choked flow conditions with nozzle pressure ratios ranging from $1.2$ to $7.0$. Time-averaged pitot pressures and schlieren visualization is used for diagnosis. The jet bifurcation can be seen in controlled elliptical jets at all nozzle pressure ratios (NPRs). Core length is reduced to as much as $70\%$ in the elliptical jet and $84\%$ in the case of the circular jet. The core length values estimated from the present data are compared with the previous investigations.     

Experimental investigation of impinging jet arrays

We report on measurements of the velocity field and turbulence fluctuations in a hexagonal array of circular jets, impinging normally on a plane wall, using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Results for mean velocity and turbulent stresses are presented in various horizontal and vertical planes. From the measurements, we have identified some major features of impinging jet arrays and we discuss their mutual interaction, collision on the plate, and consequent backwash, which generate recirculating motion between the jets. The length of the jet core, the production of turbulence kinetic energy, and the model of the exhaust mechanisms for spent fluid are also discussed. The measurements indicated that the interaction between the self-induced cross flow and the wall jets resulted in the formation of a system of horseshoe-type vortices that circumscribe the outer jets of the array. The instantaneous snapshots of the velocity field reveal some interesting features of the flow dynamics, indicating a breakdown of some of the jets before reaching the plate, which may have consequences on the distribution of the instantaneous heat transfer.List of symbols D_m Nozzle diameter in multiple jet array nozzle plate (m) - D_s Pipe diameter in single jet rig (m) - H Distance between nozzle and impingement plate (m) - k Turbulent kinetic energy (m²/s²) - L Pipe length (m) - P_k Production of turbulent kinetic energy (m²/s³) - P_uu , P_vv Normal components of P_k (m²/s³) - P_uv Shear component of P_k (m²/s³) - s Pitch (m) - U_bulk Surface-averaged exit velocity (single jet) (m/s) - U_CL Center line jet exit velocity (jet array), m/s - u, v Mean velocity components in x and y directions (m/s) - u, v, w Instantaneous velocity in x, y, and z directions (m/s) - u, v, w Velocity fluctuation in x, y, and z directions (m/s) - u², v², w² Reynolds normal stress components (m²/s²) - uv Reynolds shear stress component (m²/s²) - x, z Coordinates parallel to impingement plate (m) - y Coordinate perpendicular to impingement plate (m)