Formation Process of Vortex Ring Generated by a Pulsating Jet Flow

Abstract

The formation process of a vortex ring generated by a pulsating jet flow, which is called the cyclic vortex ring, is investigated experimentally with PIV measurement. The waveform of the jet flow is conducted using sine curves by changing the amplitude of Reynolds' numbers Re0 of 1200-5040 and Womersley numbers α of 12.5-24.4. The results indicate that the formation process of the cyclic vortex ring is different from the laminar vortex ring. Another vortex ring which is formed from separated wall boundary layers in the nozzle during the suction period, which is called the separation vortex ring, is transported toward the nozzle exit during the discharge period. This separation vortex ring interferes with the formation process of the cyclic vortex ring at the nozzle exit plane. The circulation of the separation vortex ring depends on the pulsating conditions of the jet flow. Distribution of the vorticity around the core center of the cyclic vortex ring is in good agreement with the Oseen vortex model. The formation process of the cyclic vortex ring is classified into three categories, depending on Strouhal number.