Jet Front Research Articles

Horizontal distribution of marine microbial communities in the North Pacific Subtropical Front.

Microbial communities are crucial for important ecosystem functions in the open ocean, such as primary production and nutrient cycling. However, few studies have addressed the distribution of microplankton communities in the remote oligotrophic region of the Pacific Ocean. Moreover, the biogeochemical and physical drivers of microbial community structure are not fully understood in these areas. This research aims to investigate the patterns of prokaryotic and protists communities' distribution in the North Pacific Subtropical Front (NPSF). The NPSF is a vast oligotrophic region with layered surface water and strong ocean currents. Despite its considerable size, its community distribution and function are poorly studied. We used a 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing approach to identify and characterize the water column microbial communities at two depths, the surface (3-5 m) and the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM, 108-130 m). We aimed to elucidate the horizontal distribution patterns of these communities and to dissect the factors intricately shaping their distribution in the NPSF. Results showed that the community structure of both prokaryotes and protists was significantly influenced by depth, temperature, and longitude. Regarding alpha diversity, both communities presented a higher diversity at the surface. The prokaryotes also demonstrated to have a higher diversity in samples placed further east. The prokaryotes were dominated by Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria, and the eukaryotic communities were dominated by Syndiniales. Combining biological and hydrographic data analysis showed the influence of vertical currents near the frontal jet in shaping the vertical distribution of both prokaryotic and protist communities. Even though most studies do not consider anomalies that emerge at each depth, these occurrences are capable of having a strong impact and influence on community structure. This study marks a significant advance in unraveling the intricate community structure and distribution dynamics of marine microbial communities within the North Pacific Ocean.

Vertical Carbon Export During a Phytoplankton Bloom in the Chukchi Sea: Physical Setting and Frontal Subduction

AbstractIn order to quantify pelagic‐benthic coupling on high‐latitude shelves, it is imperative to identify the different physical mechanisms by which phytoplankton are exported to the sediments. In June–July 2023, a field program documented the evolution of an under‐ice phytoplankton bloom on the northeast Chukchi shelf. Here, we use in situ data from the cruise, a simple numerical model, historical water column data, and ocean reanalysis fields to characterize the physical setting and describe the dynamically driven vertical export of chlorophyll associated with the bloom. A water mass front separating cold, high‐nutrient winter water in the north and warmer summer waters to the south—roughly coincident with the ice edge—supported a baroclinic jet which is part of the Central Channel flow branch that veers eastward toward Barrow Canyon. A plume of high chlorophyll fluorescence extending from the near‐surface bloom in the winter water downwards along the front was measured throughout the cruise. Using a passive tracer to represent phytoplankton in the model, it was demonstrated that the plume is the result of subduction due to baroclinic instability of the frontal jet. This process, in concert with the gravitational sinking, pumps the chlorophyll downwards an order of magnitude faster than gravitational sinking alone. Particle tracking using the ocean reanalysis fields reveals that a substantial portion of the chlorophyll away from the front is advected off of the northeast Chukchi shelf before reaching the bottom. This highlights the importance of the frontal subduction process for delivering carbon to the sea floor.

Upstream velocity fields induced by frontal jet injection in a square cylinder

The flow characteristics around the frontal face of a square cylinder with a frontal jet injection were experimentally studied in a closed-loop wind tunnel using the PIV technique. Four characteristic flow modes were identified based on the injection ratio: swinging jet, deflected oscillating jet, deflection jet, and penetrating jet. At low injection ratio, the flow mode denoted as the swinging jet is characterised by two recirculation regions and a four-way saddle point. At moderate injection ratio, the flow mode termed deflected oscillating jet is characterised by a recirculation region and a counterclockwise rotating vortex within the recirculation region. At moderately high injection ratio, the flow mode is denoted as deflection jet, where a clockwise rotating vortex appears in the flow field. At high injection ratio, the flow mode is termed as penetrating jet, with no vortex formation in the flow field. The strength of the turbulence intensities increases considerably with high injection ratios. The time histories of instantaneous velocity for non-injection case, swinging jet, and deflected oscillating jet modes show periodic oscillations, whereas those of deflection jet and penetrating jet modes do not show periodic oscillations. The study presents and discusses the time-averaged velocity vectors, and streamlines, vorticity contours, velocity properties, velocity time histories, and power spectral density function under different flow modes.

Teleconnection Between Early Winter Monsoon System and Harmful Algal Blooms in Shallow Lake Taihu

AbstractThere is a long history of observation and monitoring at local scales with a focus on meteorological modulation of lakes, however, the features at the local scale are heavily influenced by large‐scale atmospheric circulation. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in large shallow eutrophic lakes are susceptible to local meteorological conditions, but their response to climate system variability is rarely considered. This study reveals that HABs in Lake Taihu, the third largest freshwater lake in subtropical China, are promoted by the weakened East Asian monsoon system in precursory early winter, but show no response in late winter with the low temperature unfavorable for algal metabolism. The weak early winter monsoon system is characterized as the northward‐shifted polar front jet and eastward‐tilted East Asian Trough. The accompanied anomalous descending motion decelerates surface winds over the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River including Taihu basin by strengthening atmospheric stratification and decreasing turbulent activity in the lower troposphere. The weakened surface winds reduce sediment resuspension and improve underwater light availability in Lake Taihu, providing favorable light condition for phytoplankton growth. It is indicated that the early‐winter surface winds rather than simultaneous nutrient supply, play a dominant role on the interannual variability of algal biomass in Lake Taihu. The positive algal biomass anomaly in early winter tends to persist and promote HABs in the following warmer seasons. Our finding validates the interannual teleconnection between climate system and HAB variation in Lake Taihu, and provides insights on predicting HABs in subtropical East Asian shallow lakes.

Dominant Role of Eurasian Evaporation on the Moisture Sources of the Interannual Variations in Central Asian Summer Precipitation

Abstract The precipitation changes in arid and semiarid central Asia have great impacts on the local fragile ecosystem. The summer precipitation in central Asia shows obvious interannual variations, but the corresponding crucial moisture transporting processes remain unclear. Therefore, this study employs the Lagrangian flexible particle (FLEXPART) diffusion model to achieve this goal. Results show that the moisture of climatological summer precipitation in central Asia is mainly from the local regions, the surrounding western and northern Eurasian regions. The contribution of local evaporation from western central Asia is about 2 times that from eastern central Asia. At the interannual time scale, the moisture variations are mainly influenced by the local regions and western Eurasia, while the local evaporation is mainly from western central Asia. Totally, the Eurasian evaporation plays a dominant role in the interannual variations of central Asian summer precipitation by contributing more than 90% of the total moisture. The moisture transports associated with central Asian summer precipitation interannual variations are impacted by the anomalous cyclones over the western and northeastern parts of central Asia during the wet years, which enhance the moisture convergence and hence increase the summer precipitation in central Asia. The anomalous cyclone over the western part of central Asia is correlated with the changes in the intensity of Eurasian summer subtropical westerly jet (ESSWJ), while the anomalous cyclone over the northeastern part of central Asia is correlated with both ESSWJ and the British–Baikal Corridor pattern teleconnection in association with the polar front jet.

Increasing cross-border dust storm from Mongolia to China during 1987–2022

Mongolia and northern China have the highest frequency of dust weather in Northeast Asia. Dust transport from Mongolia to China is a major cause of dust weather in northern China. However, there has been limited research on the frequency changes of cross-border dust storms from Mongolia to China over the past few decades. Based on observational data, we analyzed the variation in cross-border dust storms between China and Mongolia during 1987–2022. The results indicate that, on average, approximately seven cross-border dust storm events occur annually between China and Mongolia, predominantly during the spring. The frequency of cross-border dust storms from Mongolia to China significantly increased from 2.2 events in P1 (1987–1999) to 7.5 events in P2 (2000−2022). Long-term trends suggest that rising dust emissions in east-central Mongolia largely contributed to this increase. The increase in cross-border dust storms from Mongolia to China in the spring was driven by more frequent cyclones in eastern Mongolia and Northeast China during P2. This is evidenced by a negative height anomaly and increased vorticity at 850 hPa over Northeast China. The cyclones were linked to the northward shift of the East Asian Polar Front Jet Stream (EAPJ) at 300 hPa between 50°N and 60°N. Additionally, surface conditions such as higher temperatures and decreased vegetation in Mongolia contributed to the increased frequency of cross-border dust storms from P1 to P2.

Variability of Winter Frosts in Central South America: Quantifying Mechanisms with Decision Trees

Agricultural production in Central South America (CSA) is substantially influenced by frost events. This study characterises and quantifies the physical processes leading to frost conditions in CSA from 1979 to 2022, focusing on three innovative aspects: regional frost properties, a novel multi-parametric upper-level jet description, and the quantification of underlying mechanisms through decision trees (DTs). The regionalisation analysis identifies five homogeneous frost regions in CSA. In all regions, the events tend to occur more frequently during the La Niña phase. Moreover, a significant increase in the frequency of widespread frost events has been observed in the Argentinean Pampas during the study period, primarily due to negative trends in minimum temperatures. Furthermore, the synoptic mechanisms triggering frosts, such as cold fronts and post-frontal anticyclones enhanced by subsidence near the subtropical jet (STJ) entrance, have not shown major long-term changes. To describe the jets, we compute six parameters for the STJ and seven for the polar front jet, including latitude, intensity, height, tilting, longitudinal extent, and branch number. DTs are used to identify key jet parameters linked to frost events, such as the latitude, longitudinal extent, and tilt of the Atlantic STJ. Frost likelihood increases when the STJ is north of 31°S, and the extension of the Atlantic STJ is longer than 35° and has a negative tilt. Finally, DTs focused on the onset and end of events highlight geopotential height anomalies and STJ extension as critical variables. These DTs provide concise and accessible information for agricultural decision-makers in CSA.

Features of subseasonal concurrent variations between subtropical and polar front jets and their association with temperature anomalies in China

Subseasonal variability of atmospheric circulation in mid-high latitudes is highly correlated to the upper-level jet streams, acting as a major contributor to the global or regional persistent climate anomalies. In this study, the features of subseasonal concurrent variations (SCVs) between East Asian Polar Front Jet (EAPJ) and Subtropical Jet (EASJ), and corresponding atmospheric circulation and temperature anomalies in China are investigated by using the observational data and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis datasets. Results show that the main variability modes of the winter upper-level wind fields on subseasonal time scales are characterized by the meridional shift in opposite directions and out-of-phase variations in the intensity of the EASJ and EAPJ. These concurrent variations between the two jets have a significant oscillation cycle with a period of 10–25 days. Accompanied by the location (intensity) SCV of the two jets, the mid-latitude circulation systems show significant zonal shifts (local intensity changes), resulting in alternations of the atmospheric circulation between zonal and meridional types. The typical meridional circulation is characterized by a strong East Asian trough and its upstream strong high-pressure ridges. Meanwhile, gradient force between Siberian high and the Aleutian low is anomalously strong. As a result, the SCVs between two jets can cause widespread and persistent low temperature anomalies over China, usually lasting more than three days. In the case of the location SCV of the two jets, the low temperature anomalies concentrate in northern China, particularly in north of 40°N. In the case of the intensity SCV of the two jets, the low temperature anomalies occur in most parts of China, notably in south of 40°N. These results are helpful to improve the prediction of atmospheric circulation and temperature anomalies in East Asia during winter.

Microwave-induced plasma on spherical flame dynamics of spark-ignited hydrogen-air under water dilution

Microwave-assisted spark ignition (MAI) offers a commercially feasible way to enhance conventional spark ignition performance under extreme conditions. While previous studies suggested microwave pulses had no obvious effect on self-sustained flame from the perspective of energy deposition, the hydrodynamic effect of microwave plasma remained under-explored. This study experimentally investigated the effect of the microwave-induced plasma on lean hydrogen flame dynamics (Lewis number ∼ 0.35), examining the influence of water content (rH2O) in this process under different pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and pressures. Using a linear high-speed shadow imaging system coupled with electrical diagnostics, we synchronously recorded the flame and plasma morphology evolution while monitoring spark and microwave energy. Results revealed that microwave pulses during spark ignition generated wrinkles and perturbances accelerating the cracking and cellularization of the subsequent self-sustained flame. This effect intensified with increasing PRF from 1 to 10 kHz, particularly at high rH2O. The overall microwave impact on early flame development was more pronounced at high rH2O, attributed to stronger interactions between the microwave plasma jet and flame front due to reduced distance. Interestingly, electrical diagnostics showed an inversed relationship between total absorbed microwave energy and rH2O, highlighting the crucial role of the first microwave pulse at 1 kHz PRF. This study demonstrates that early microwave pulses can influence hydrogen flame dynamics even in the self-sustained stage, offering new insights into MAI mechanisms. These findings open avenues for research into active control of self-sustained flame dynamics, potentially leading to improved ignition strategies in challenging combustion environments.

Numerical Simulation and Flow Field Analysis of Porous Water Jet Nozzle Based on Fluent

The water jet nozzle is a penetrating drilling tool, which sends the pumped water to the nozzle through a high-pressure hose. It can work in a variety of working environments. When it dredges the blockage in the pipeline, its structural parameters will affect the jet flow field in the pipeline. Taking the self-propelled water jet nozzle as the research object, SolidWorks was used to establish the nozzle model with different parameter structures. Based on Fluent, the k-ε turbulence model was used to simulate the jet of nozzles with different nozzle sizes and arrangements in the pipeline. The distribution of the jet flow field and the change in velocity and displacement of nozzles with different parameters in the pipeline were compared, and then computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were used to process the simulation data for further research. The results show that when the inclination angle of the rear nozzle is 35°, the attenuation of the front jet velocity and the fluctuation of the wall fluid velocity are the smallest. When the nozzle aperture is increased from 2 mm to 3.5 mm, the vortex area inside the pipe is reduced, and the velocity attenuation of the front jet is also reduced, with the velocity attenuation rate decreasing by about 10%. This study provides a reference for the design and parameter optimization of self-propelled water jet nozzles.

Holocene insolation and sea surface temperature influences on the polar front jet stream and precipitation in the midcontinental United States

Variability in the source and seasonality of precipitation in the midcontinental United States during the Holocene was investigated using isotopic and sedimentological data from Martin Lake, northeastern Indiana, USA. Between 7100 and 4000 years before present (yr BP; present = 1950 CE), high δ18Ocal and δ13Ccal values with low variability indicate that moisture was predominantly derived from subtropical, southerly sources and delivered primarily during the warm season. Mean state shifts toward lower δ18Ocal and δ13Ccal occurred at ca. 4000 and 2550 yr BP, respectively, indicating an increase in northerly-sourced cold-season precipitation during the Late Holocene (i.e., the past 4200 years) and a subsequent reduction in warm season duration after 2550 yr BP. Record low %lithics from ca. 5000 to 4000 yr BP indicates major reductions in warm-season rain storms, consistent with regional evidence of drought at this time. An increase in the amplitude of centennial-scale variability in δ18Ocal, δ13Ccal, and %lithics after 1900 yr BP indicates greater precipitation source variability during the Common Era. During this interval, precipitation fluctuated between southerly-sourced, convective rainstorms when the Northern Hemisphere (NH) was warm (e.g., during the Medieval Climate Anomaly; 700–1000 yr BP) and northerly-sourced rain and snow when the NH was cool (e.g., during the Little Ice Age; 150–550 yr BP). These trends, especially the change at ca. 4000 yr BP, are consistent with other North American paleoclimate records that collectively suggest a continental-scale shift in precipitation seasonality during the Middle to Late Holocene transition as the tropical Pacific Ocean transitioned from La Niña-like conditions to a more El Niño-like mean state. Concurrent NH cooling and persistent El Niño-like conditions during the Late Holocene would have favored a southerly polar front jet stream with enhanced ridge and trough atmospheric circulation over North America – conditions resembling the positive mode of the Pacific-North American teleconnection (PNA). This would have increased interactions between high-latitude and subtropical airmasses over the midcontinent, increasing the proportion of northerly precipitation with low δ18O delivered during the cold season (i.e., snowfall) and during extended periods with +PNA-like atmospheric circulation (e.g., the Little Ice Age).

Deepening mechanisms of cut-off lows in the Southern Hemisphere and the role of jet streams: insights from eddy kinetic energy analysis

Abstract. Cut-off lows (COLs) exhibit diverse structures and lifecycles, ranging from confined upper-tropospheric systems to deep, multi-level vortex structures. While COL climatologies are well documented, the mechanisms driving their deepening remain unclear. To bridge this gap, a novel track matching algorithm applied to ERA-Interim reanalysis investigates the vertical extent of Southern Hemisphere COLs. Composite analysis based on structure and eddy kinetic energy budget differentiates four COL categories: shallow, deep, weak, and strong, revealing similarities and disparities. Deep, strong COLs concentrate around Australia and the southwestern Pacific, peaking in autumn and spring, while shallow, weak COLs are more common in summer and closer to the Equator. Despite their differences, both contrasting types evolve energetically via anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking. The distinct roles of jet streams in affecting COL types are addressed: intense polar front jets correlate with more deep COLs, whereas stronger subtropical jets relate to fewer shallow COLs. The COL deepening typically occurs in the presence of a robust upstream polar front jet, which enhances ageostrophic flux convergence and baroclinic processes. The subtropical jet positively correlates with COL intensity but weakens when considering the seasonality, suggesting uncertainties in this relationship. Additionally, we highlight the significance of diabatic processes in COL deepening, addressing their misrepresentation in reanalysis and emphasizing the need for more observational and modelling studies to refine the energetic framework.

Compound wind and rainfall extremes: Drivers and future changes over the UK and Ireland

The co-occurrence of wind and rainfall extremes can yield larger impacts than when either hazard occurs in isolation. This study assesses compound extremes produced by Extra-tropical cyclones (ETCs) during winter from two perspectives. Firstly, we assess ETCs with extreme footprints of wind and rainfall; footprint severity is measured using the wind severity index (WSI) and rain severity index (RSI) which account for the intensity, duration, and area of either hazard. Secondly, we assess local co-occurrences of 6-hourly wind and rainfall extremes within ETCs. We quantify the likelihood of compound extremes in these two perspectives and characterise a number of their drivers (jet stream, cyclone tracks, and fronts) in control (1981–2000) and future (2060–2081, RCP8.5) climate simulations from a 12-member ensemble of local convection-permitting 2.2 km climate projections over the UK and Ireland. Simulations indicate an increased probability of ETCs producing extremely severe WSI and RSI in the same storm in the future, occurring 3.6 times more frequently (every 5 years compared to every 18 years in the control). This frequency increase is mainly driven by increased rainfall intensities, pointing to a predominantly thermodynamic driver. However, future winds also increase alongside a strengthened jet stream, while a southward displaced jet and cyclone track in these events leads to a dynamically-enhanced increase in temperature. This intensifies rainfall in line with Clausius-Clapeyron, and potentially wind speeds due to additional latent heat energy. Future simulations also indicate an increase in the land area experiencing locally co-occurring wind and rainfall extremes; largely explained by increased rainfall within warm and cold fronts, although the relative increase is highest near cold fronts suggesting increased convective activity. These locally co-occurring extremes are more likely in storms with severe WSI and RSI, but not exclusively so as local co-occurrence requires the coincidence of separate drivers within ETCs. Overall, our results reveal many contributing factors to compound wind and rainfall extremes and their future changes. Further work is needed to understand the uncertainty in the future response by sampling additional climate models.

A Numerical Study of Clear-Air Turbulence over North China on 6 June 2017

On 6 June 2017, four severe clear-air turbulence (CAT) events were observed over northern China within 3 h. These events mainly occurred at altitudes between 8.1 and 9.5 km. The characteristics and possible mechanisms of the CAT events in the different regions are investigated here using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model. The simulated wind and temperature fields in a 27 km coarse domain were found to be in good agreement with those of the ERA5 (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5) and the observed soundings of operational radiosondes over northern China. In terms of synoptic features, the region where the turbulence occurred is characterized by a southwest–northeast upper-level jet stream. The upper-level jet stream observed at an altitude of 10.4 km consistently moved eastwards, with a maximum wind speed of 61.7 m/s. Simultaneously, the upper-level front–jet system on the cyclonic shear side of the upper-level jet stream also exhibited an eastward motion. The developed upper-level front–jet system induced significant vertical wind shear (VWS) and tropopause folding in the vicinity of these CAT events. Despite the high stability resulting from tropopause folding, the presence of strong VWS (1.90 × 10−2 s−1–2.55 × 10−2 s−1) led to a low Richardson number (Ri) (0.24–0.88) and caused Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI), which ultimately induced CAT. Although a standard numerical weather forecast resolution of tens of kilometers is adequate to capture turbulence for most CAT events, it is still necessary to use high-resolution numerical simulations (such as 3 km) to calculate more accurate CAT indices (such as Ri) for CAT prediction in some specific cases.

The Unprecedented 2023 North China Heatwaves and Their S2S Predictability

AbstractThis study unravels the characteristics, mechanisms, and predictability of four consecutive record‐breaking heatwaves hitting North China in June and July 2023. The first three heatwaves primarily influenced the northern part of North China and were accompanied by consistent anticyclonic anomalies in the upper troposphere. The anomalous anticyclone was caused by the British–Baikal corridor teleconnection along the polar front jet, particularly during the second heatwave. In contrast, the fourth heatwave was induced by a distinct low‐pressure system, attributed to the Silk Road pattern along the subtropical jet. The presence of this low‐pressure system and its interaction with atmospheric rivers and local topography led to the foehn wind, further contributing to the rise in surface temperatures. Sub‐seasonal to seasonal models can effectively predict the occurrence of all heatwaves 2–5 days in advance despite underestimating the intensity. However, models exhibit limitations in providing reliable predictions when the lead time exceeds 2 weeks.

Enhanced Subseasonal Variability of Spring Temperature Over Eastern China in 2022: Initial Role of Extremely Heavy Arctic Sea Ice in Previous Winter

AbstractIn spring 2022, strong temperature whiplash events occurred in eastern China (EC), characterized by enhanced subseasonal variability in surface air temperature (SAT). Our results show that extreme temperature fluctuations are dominated by the amplified Eurasian wave train on a biweekly timescale as a possible response to increased sea ice concentrations (SICs) over the Barents‐Kara Seas (BK) in previous winter. Increased winter SICs weaken the upward planetary waves and enhance the stratospheric polar vortex. In spring, the downward propagation of enhanced polar vortex intensifies the polar front jet, increasing kinetic energy gain of the North Atlantic wave train and guiding it to travel farther eastward. The Eurasian wave train strengthens through an upstream development and enhanced local baroclinicity and enhances subseasonal SAT variability over EC. Therefore, the state of BK SICs in previous winter could be a useful signal for the enhanced likelihood of spring extreme temperature whiplash events.

Fluid dynamic analysis and lift enhancement of material transport and mixing around airfoil through Lagrangian coherent structures

Flow separation around an airfoil can be effectively controlled by appropriately positioning a synthetic jet (SJ) on the airfoil surface, subsequently enhancing the airfoil's lift. This study conducts a fluid dynamics analysis of material transport and mixing related to momentum transport and mixing around an airfoil. The detailed analysis of the corresponding effects on lift improvement aids in understanding fluid dynamics through Lagrange Coherent Structures (LCSs) and their nonlinear dynamics. An additional SJ is introduced in the airfoil's rear section, combined with a high-speed, low-frequency SJ in the front section to form a combined SJ. The flow around the airfoil with this combined SJ is simulated. LCSs surrounding the SJs are identified and utilized to analyze the complex material transport and mixing processes. The impact of material transport and mixing on lift enhancement is explored through the evolution of LCSs and pressure distribution on the airfoil surface. Results demonstrate that the combined SJs further improve the airfoil's lift coefficient compared to single SJs, with the enhanced material transport and mixing of SJs playing a vital role in lift enhancement. The rear jet accumulates downstream of the rear slot, forming a tail vortex with high momentum and low pressure. The vortex generated by the front jet carries the tail vortex, continuing to move downstream when it reaches the rear slot. A pressure drop forms where the two vortices flow, enhancing the airfoil's lift. The rear jet can absorb fluid downstream and upstream of the jet slot, reducing pressure on the suction surface near the jet slot and significantly contributing to lift improvement.

Numerical study on auto-ignition and combustion characteristics in a supersonic combustor without flame-holder

The ignition and stable combustion processes play a crucial role in the operation of a scramjet engine. This study aims to investigate the effect of fuel reactivity on auto-ignition and combustion characteristics in a supersonic combustor. To focus on the effect of fuel reactivity, a supersonic combustor without a physical flame-holder was utilized in the numerical simulations while maintaining a fixed equivalence ratio, fuel temperature, and flow Mach number at the entrance of the combustor. The fuel reactivity was manipulated by adjusting the activation energy of the reaction rate constant. Augmenting the fuel reactivity led to a significant reduction in the minimum flight Mach number required for auto-ignition. When the activation energy was varied over a wide range, three auto-ignition modes were observed under different flight Mach number conditions: stable combustion, blowoff, and misfire. The Damköhler numbers around the jet front and the mixing layer were identified as two distinguishing features for classifying the three auto-ignition modes. Under specific conditions, excessive reduction of the activation energy hindered the enhancement of combustion efficiency. Therefore, it was critical to consider flow dynamics, mixing characteristics, and fuel reactivity simultaneously in order to achieve a satisfactory combustion process. The results obtained in this study contribute to the understanding of the intricate interaction between flow dynamics and chemical reactions within a supersonic combustor.

Stirring across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current's southern boundary at the prime meridian, Weddell Sea

Abstract. At the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), relatively warm ACC waters encounter the colder waters surrounding Antarctica. Strong density gradients across the southern boundary indicate the presence of a frontal jet and are thought to modulate the southward heat transport across the front. In this study, the southern boundary in the Weddell Sea sector at the prime meridian is surveyed for the first time in high resolution over 2 months during an austral summer with underwater gliders occupying a transect across the front on five occasions. The five transects show that the frontal structure (i.e. hydrography, velocities and lateral density gradients) varies temporally. The results demonstrate significant, transient (a few weeks) variability of the southern boundary and its frontal jet in location, strength and width. A mesoscale cold-core eddy is identified to disrupt the southern boundary’s frontal structure and strengthen lateral density gradients across the front. The front's barrier properties are assessed using mixing length scales and potential vorticity to establish the cross-frontal exchange of properties between the ACC and the Weddell Gyre. The results show that stronger lateral density gradients caused by the mesoscale eddy strengthen the barrier-like properties of the front through reduced mixing length scales and pronounced gradients of potential vorticity. In contrast, the barrier-like properties of the southern boundary are reduced when no mesoscale eddy is influencing the density gradients across the front. Using satellite altimetry, we further demonstrate that the barrier properties over the past decade have strengthened as a result of increased meridional gradients of absolute dynamic topography and increased frontal jet speeds in comparison to previous decades. Our results emphasise that locally and rapidly changing barrier properties of the southern boundary are important to quantify the cross-frontal exchange, which is particularly relevant in regions where the southern boundary is located near the Antarctic shelf break (e.g. in the West Antarctic sector).

Large-Eddy simulations on interaction flow structures of pulsed jets in a crossflow

Numerical investigations of pulsed jets in a crossflow are carried out using large-eddy simulation. The flow mechanism and coherent structure evolution of pulsed jets with different frequencies (f = 20 Hz, 50 Hz, and 100 Hz) are analyzed and compared with the steady-state jet. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is used to analyze the effect of different vortex structures in the flow field, which further elaborates the influence mechanism of frequency on pulse jets in the crossflow. The results show that under the same velocity ratio, the normal penetration depth of pulsed jets to the crossflow are greater than that of the steady-state jet. Due to the pulsating effect, the pulsed jets will form a large-scale shear layer vortex, which strengthens the turbulence pulsation and promotes the mixing between jets and the crossflow. As the pulse frequency increases, the scale of the vortex rings in the downstream shear layer will become smaller but the number will increase, and fine vortex clusters will be formed around them. At f = 50 Hz, the counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) and the jet front shear layer vortex have a greater influence in the flow field, followed by the downstream shear layer vortex, and the wake vortex has the least influence in the flow field. At f = 20 Hz and 100 Hz, the wake vortex has a greater influence in the flow field than that at f = 50 Hz.