Topology of radial jet reattachment

Topological features of the flow emanating from a radial jet nozzle and its subsequent reattachment on a flat surface were investigated using a variety of flow visualization techniques in the Texas A & M University (TAMU) water tunnel. Dominant features of the flow were observed to be the bifurcation of streamsurface after a turbulent reattachment into inner and outer flows. The inner flow was dominated by a sequence of events consisting of the recirculation, formation and breakup of the ring vortex into foci structures, mass entrainment and ejection. Outer flow exhibited formation of secondary vortices, and shear layer instabilities.