Numerical parametric study of a sweeping-vortex low-frequency fluidic oscillator

Abstract

Fluidic oscillators are garnering increasing attention in various fields due to their self-induced oscillation characteristics. This study proposes a novel fluidic oscillator, the sweeping-vortex fluidic oscillator (SVFO), characterized by unique feedback properties. These properties exploit fluid feedback from the side opposite the attached wall and the spin delay of the captive vortex to yield low-frequency oscillating jets. The oscillation characteristics and the influence of main geometric parameters were investigated using computational fluid dynamics approach. Results show that the evolution of the flow field within the SVFO demonstrates an intricately dynamic interacting. The deflection switching of the main jet is primarily controlled by a pair of counter-rotating moving vortexes. Geometric parameters influence the stability of the dynamic evolution of both captive and moving vortexes, thereby altering the signal components of the output performance transmitted to the inlet. The overall width of the oscillator has a pronounced impact on the oscillation frequency, and with an increase in the overall width, a maximum frequency increase of 87 % can be observed. Furthermore, the height of the sweeping chamber and the diameter of the vortex chamber outlet have a noticeable effect on the pressure pulse amplitude. A pressure fluctuation coefficient greater than 1.1 was recorded. The results also suggest that the geometric parameters of the fluidic oscillator need to be designed within a reasonable range; otherwise, the jet oscillator will not function. A more refined optimization of geometric parameters could be obtained with the aim of achieving a stable main jet, feedback flow of appropriate intensity, and optimal attachment conditions. This work reveals the oscillation mechanism and the influence of geometric parameters on SVFOs, providing a theoretical basis for designing related oscillators.