Transition scenario of the round jet in crossflow topology at low velocity ratios

Abstract

We study experimentally a round Jet In CrossFlow (JICF) at low values of the jet-to-crossflow velocity ratio R using instantaneous and time-averaged three-dimensions three-components velocimetry. The difference between instantaneous and time-averaged swirling structures of the JICF is emphasized. Through the analysis of spatial distribution of instantaneous transverse and longitudinal vortices the main transitions of the JICF are characterized for 0.15 < R < 2.2. A new transition at very low velocity ratio is found (R < 0.3). When R is large enough (R > 1.25), the classic JICF topology is recovered. In between, a deformation of the classical JICF topology is observed consisting in a progressive disappearance of the leading-edge vortices, a bending of the jet trajectory toward the wall and thus a strengthened interaction with the boundary layer. Thanks to a state-of-the-art review on the JICF topology and using visualizations of the flow structures extracted from our experimental volumetric velocimetry measurements, this article provides a complete transition scenario of the JICF topology from the high velocity ratios to the lowest ones, and gives the topological transition threshold associated with each kind of vortex.