Characterization of asymptotic entrainment rate for compressible jets

Abstract

Experimental results for the spreading and centerline velocity decay rates are presented for round, compressible, submerged jets, with total temperature same as ambient temperature, covering a 'jet Mach number' (M(sub J)) range of 0.3 - 2.0. Data from a convergent and a convergent-divergent nozzle are considered. The spreading rate is determined from the total longitudinal mass fluxes measured by Pilot probe survey. Results for the far asymptotic regions show that both spreading and centerline velocity decay rates, when normalized by conditions at the nozzle exit, decrease with increasing M(sub J). Dimensional analysis and isentropic calculations predict this Mach number dependence well. The analysis also demonstrates that an increase in the 'potential core length' of the jet occurring with increasing M(sub J), a commonly observed trend, is largely accounted for simply by the variations in the density and static pressure at the nozzle exit. The effect of decreasing mixing efficiency with increasing compressibility is inferred to contribute only partially to the latter trend.