Planar Jet Flow Through Rectangular Nozzle

Aerodynamics Laboratory (AE 312)
Observation and Analysis of Planar Turbulent Jet

Flows
performed by
V S Harikrishna - 160010054
Instructor : Prof. Aniruddha Sinha
Department of Aerospace Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
February 2023
Observation and Analysis of Planar Turbulent Jet Flows Experiment 2
Contents
1 OBJECTIVES 1
2 INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANAR TURBULENT JET FLOW 2

2.1 Jet flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 The Planar Jet Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Velocity Profile for the Planar Jet Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 Experimental Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4.1 Theoretical Predictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 Apparatus Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.6 Experiment Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.7 Wind Tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.8 Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.9 Ambient Data and Associated errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3 THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE 15
4 PROCEDURE 15
4.1 Measurement of Jet Velocity Profile Along the y-Direction at Various Locations 15
4.2 Measurement of Streamwise Variation of Centerline Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5 EXPERIMENTAL CALCULATIONS 17
5.1 Sample calculation approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.2 Tabulated calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6 RESULTS 21
6.1 Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.1.1 Representative Velocity Distribution Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.1.2 Gaussian Fit on Velocity Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.1.3 Self Similarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.1.4 Axial variation of scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
x
6.1.5 Non-dimensionalised Momentum Flux variation with d
. . . . . . . . . . 26
x
6.1.6 Non-dimensionalised Mass Flux variation with d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
x
6.1.7 Non-dimensionalised Energy Flux variation with d . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6.2 Comparison with Literature and Theoretical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
6.2.1 Normalised Velocity Profile for Various Values of x . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Batch D2 B4 Page 2 of 34 AE 312

6.2.2 Self similarity in the fully developed zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.2.3 Axial variation of scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
6.3 Error Analysis (correct significant digits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6.4 Tabulated RMS errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
List of Figures
1 Jet flow [1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Jet Flow Features [1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Simplified View of Jet Flow [3] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4 The Planar Jet flow[10] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5 Definition of Coordinate System [3] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6 Velocity profile for planar jet[8] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7 Wind Tunnel Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8 The apparatus for measuring dynamic pressure (simplified)[3] . . . . . . . . . . 11
9 The apparatus for measuring dynamic pressure (photographic) . . . . . . . . . 12
10 The rectangular slot nozzle[3] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
11 Normalised Velocity profile for x = 0d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
12 Normalised Velocity profile for x = 17d with Gaussian fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
13 Normalised Velocity profile for x = 21d with Gaussian fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14 Normalised velocity vs normalised y coordinate plots for different values of x . 21
15 Normalised centerline velocity vs normalised x coordinate . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
16 Gaussian fit for Velocity Profile for x = 17d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
17 Gaussian fit for Velocity Profile for x = 21d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
18 Normalised Velocity profile (with similarity parameter V0 ) vs Normalised y-
coordinate (with similarity parameter b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
³ Vj
´ 2 y 0.5 x
19 Axial variation of V0 (x) and d with d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Ṗ
20 Variation of Non-dimensionalised momentum flux Ṗ j
with dx . . . . . . . . . . 26
ṁ
21 Variation of Non-dimensionalised mass flux ṁ with dx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
j
22 Variation of Non-dimensionalised energy flux ĖĖ with dx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

j
V0 (x) x
23 Vj
vs. d
from F örthmann[?] (1933) with theoretical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Vx (y) y
24 V0
vs. y 0.5 from Gordeyev[6] et al (2000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
25 Axial variation of similarity parameters from Everitt[4] et al (1978) . . . . . . . . 31

List of Tables
1 Calculated values of y 0 , V0 and b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2 Calculated values of normalised mass, momentum and energy fluxes . . . . . . 20
3 Table for errors and parametric dependence on α . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
List of Symbols
Ė (x) The energy flux across a plane perpendicular to the streamwise direction
at a given streamwise location x
ṁ(x The mass flux across a plane perpendicular to the streamwise direction at
a given streamwise location x
Ṗ (x) The momentum flux across a plane perpendicular to the streamwise
direction at a given streamwise location x
B Empirical constant in the axial dependence relation between normalised
centerline velocity and normalised streamwise coordinate
b(x) Half width of a given velocity profile at a given streamwise location x
d Nozzle thickness
h Height above the ground at which the nozzle is located
S Spread rate of the velocity profile
V0 (x) The velocity at the centerline at a given streamwise location x
Vj The jet exit velocity at the nozzle
w Nozzle Width
x Streamwise coordinate, taken positive along the flow
y Vertical coordinate, taken positive upwards
y 0.5 Half width of a given velocity profile at a given streamwise location x
y0 y coordinate of the centerline at a given streamwise location x
z Span-wise coordinate, positive direction as per right hand coordinate
system
Abstract
The experiment was carried out in order to observe and analyse the characteristics
of planar jet flow with turbulence. The flow characteristics are observed for various
distances along the streamwise direction and compared to find trends in the quantities.
Based on the theoretical predictions, the existence of self similarity is examined for vari-
ous locations along the streamwise coordinate and the characteristic similarity variables
are identified. The axial variation of these parameters were also examined. Based on
a theoretical[2] models, the validity of conservation of momentum and the parametric
dependence of the mass and energy fluxes with normalised axial coordinate is verified.
The data obtained is compared with valid experimental data obtained[6] from literature.
It was observed that self similarity holds for flow in the fully developed zone while it is
violated at the potential core in the near nozzle zone. Based on the data, the extent of
x
potential core was observed to be up to d = 4.
1 OBJECTIVES
1. To observe and understand the characteristics of turbulent jet flow through a planar
orifice (slot).
2. To measure and analyse the time averaged mean streamwise velocity.
3. To measure and characterize the streamwise variation of centerline jet velocity and jet
half width.
4. To compare and verify self-similarity of spanwise velocity profile.
5. To verify conservation of streamwise momentum flux for the associated jet wake.
6. To verify predicted variation of streamwise mass and energy flux.

2 INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANAR TURBULENT JET FLOW
2.1 Jet flows

A jet refers to a type of fluid flow dominated by shear effects in which a high momen-
tum viscous fluid encounters a stationary fluid and involves in turbulent transfer of
momentum. The characteristics (i. e. density, viscosity, temperature etc.) of the two
fluids may or may not be the same. The defining characteristics of fluid jets as opposed
to fluid wakes, which are also shear dominated flows is that wakes generate a momen-
tum deficit in the less energetic fluid while jets cause a momentum excess in the less
energetic fluid.
Figure 1: Jet flow [1]
Jet flows fall under the category of free turbulent shear flows. These flows are charac-
terised by free expansion of a fluid against a constant pressure atmosphere. Another
characteristic is that the momentum diffusion due to turbulence dominates over shear
induced momentum diffusion in such flows. This leads to formation of region of sta-
tistical equilibrium induced by turbulence independent of the characteristic features
of the nozzle of the jet. We call this the fully developed zone for turbulent jet flows.
The region preceding this is where the flow develops unsteady eddies and majority
mixing (momentum transfer) between the high and low energy fluids occur. We call
this the shear layer and this makes up most of the intermediate zone starting from
the boundaries of the nozzle and gradually expands as the flow proceeds streamwise.
Finally, close to the mouth of the nozzle, the flow is mostly a potential flow where the
inertial effects prevail over the motion of fluid particles. The boundary of this zone
is made up of the gradually developing shear layer. As the shear layer develops to a
certain distance, the potential zone of uniform flow deteriorates. This is due to the
effect of boundary instability discussed in [?]. Beyond a certain distance, the boundary
of shear flow collapses and completely disrupts the potential flow it envelops. This
marks the start of the intermediate zone with the onset of turbulence. Since the zone

of potential flow is mostly enveloped within the shear flow boundaries, we call it the
potential core. The potential core along with its enveloping shear boundary make up
the near nozzle zone. The momentum transfer between the two fluids through the
shear layer also results in formation of an entrainment zone outside the shear layer
where the some of the low energy fluid is carried along with the shear layer. These are
shown in Figures . 2 and 3.
Figure 2: Jet Flow Features [1]
Figure 3: Simplified View of Jet Flow [3]

2.2 The Planar Jet Flow

The planar jet is one of the two canonical forms of jet flows (other being axisymmetric
round jet flow) that are of relevance. The planar jet assumes the flow through a narrow
rectangular nozzle with large width in respect to its height. We call such a nozzle a
slot nozzle. The flow through such a nozzle results in a flow shown by Figure 4. For
convenience, we define a coordinate system for the flow field as shown by Figure 5.
The flow field from such a nozzle can be assumed to be two dimensional owing to its
small thickness compared to the width. Although wall shear results in a small region of
velocity gradient, it remains more or less uniform with the spanwise coordinate (z) far
from the walls. Thus close to the centerline the flow preserves two dimesionality.
Figure 4: The Planar Jet flow[10]

Figure 5: Definition of Coordinate System [3]
2.3 Velocity Profile for the Planar Jet Flow

The velocity distribution of a planar jet along the normal coordinate (y) depends on
the nature of the flow. Since the flow is governed mostly by inertial effects in the near
nozzle zone while viscous turbulence effects dominates over the fully developed zone,
the velocity profile shall be discussed separately for each zone:
• Near nozzle zone: The potential core has more or less uniform velocity distribution
along the y-coordinate and there is a sharp velocity rise across the thin boundaries
(shear layer). This profile is also called a top hat profile as shown in Figure 11. The x
variation of velocity depends on the thickness of the potential core but on the centerline,
it remains mostly invariant in x-coordinate. This characterises the potential core as the
region where centerline velocity remains constant with x-coordinate.

• Intermediate zone: The shear layer involves mostly unsteady eddies and thus is domi-
nated by circulatory flows that develop into turbulence. Since the flow is unsteady, time
averaged velocity is considered for both the intermediate and fully developed zone.
The averaged velocity profile with the y-coordinate is shown in Figure 6. One can notice
that the time average velocity decays with distance along y from the centerline. Along
the streammwise coordinate, we can note that the variation depends on the y location
and the velocity decreases with x-coordinate corresponding to each location on the y
axis. Also notice that the distribution spreads wider with increasing x-coordinate owing
to spreading of the jet.
• Fully developed zone: The turbulence induced flow reaches a statistical equilibrium
which results in a velocity profile along the y-coordinate shown in Figure 6. Again,
time averaged velocity is considered for the fully developed zone. One can notice that
the time averaged velocity decays with distance along y from the centerline. Along
the streammwise coordinate, the profile spreads wider with increasing streamwise
coordinate and the velocity decreases with x-coordinate corresponding to each location
on the y axis. Since the flow has achieved statistical equilibrium, the velocity profiles
for each x-coordinate will be self-similar.
Figure 6: Velocity profile for planar jet[8]

2.4 Experimental Calculations

The calculation of ambient density from the ambient temperature is done using the
Ideal Gas Equation of State[9].
p
ρ= (1)
RT
The calculation of flow velocity from the measured dynamic pressure is done using the
given equation:
ρ ∗ v2
∆p = (2)
2
where ∆p = p 0 − p amb
The Gaussian fit for velocity profile v(x = constant, y) for a given streamwise location is
given using the following formulae:
Ã !
v(y) (y − y 0 )2
= exp − ln 2 2
(3)
v0 y 0.5
where v 0 is the centerline velocity at the given x-coordinate, y 0 is the centerline y-

coordinate and y 0.5 is the jet half-width.
The velocities and lengths are non-dimensionalised as the following
x
Non-dimensionalised x-coordinate = (4)
d
y
Non-dimensionalised y-coordinate = (5)
y 0.5
v(y)
Non-dimensionalised velocity = (6)
v0
The mean mass flux across the height of the slot per unit width is computed using the
following relation: Z ∞
ṁ(x) = ρV (y)d y (7)
−∞

The mean momentum flux across the height of the slot per unit width is computed
using the following relation:
Z ∞
Ṗ (x) = ρV 2 (y)d y (8)
−∞
The mean energy flux across the height of the slot per unit width is computed using the
following relation: Z ∞
Ė (x) = ρV 3 (y)d y (9)
−∞
The integrals involved in above formulae are evaluated using the trapezoidal rule
for integration, and the backward difference to compute derivatives as shown in the
expressions below.
Z X x i +1 − x i
f (x)d x = [ f (x i +1 ) + f (x i )] (10)
2
d f (x i ) f (x i ) − f (x i −1 )
= (11)
dx x i − x i −1
2.4.1 Theoretical Predictions

x x
For planar jet, the zone of self similarity lies between d
= 10 and d
= 40 (Deo, et. al.)[3].
Where we predict that the normalised velocity follows the given relationship:
v 0 (x) B
=q (12)
vj x−x 0
d
Where B is and empirical constant that is independent of the Reynolds’ number of the
flow and x 0 is the virtual origin depicted by point P 0 in Figure 6 [9].
Squaring and re-arranging the terms of Equation 12 :

¶−2
v 0 (x) hx
µ i
= K2 −C 2 (13)
vj d
Similarly for the self-similar region, the half-width y 0.5 can be related to the streamwise
coordinate as:
d y 0.5
=S (14)
dx

Where S is and empirical constant and is defined is the spread rate of the velocity profile
with respect to the streamwise coordinate which is independent Reynolds’ number of
the flow [9].
Integrating Equation 14 with respect to x and normalising with the slot width (d ):
y 0.5 hx i
= K1 −C 1 (15)
d d
Using Equations 13 and 15 for large values of x compared to x 0 :
¶−2
v 0 (x) hxi
µ
≈ K2 (16)
vj d
y 0.5 hxi
≈ K1 (17)
d d
¶2
v 0 (x) y 0.5 h x i−2 x
µ
= K 2−2 K1
vj d d d (18)
= Constant
The assumption of momentum conservation under the free flow (as in case of all jet
flows) leads to the prediction that the momentum flux is invariant in the streamwise
direction.
d Ṗ
=0 (19)
dx
Mass flux is predicted to vary with x 0.5 in the streamwise direction.
d ṁ
= 0.5 (20)
dx
Energy flux is predicted to vary with x −0.5 in the streamwise direction.
d Ė
= −0.5 (21)
dx

2.5 Apparatus Used

1. Converging rectangular narrow slot nozzle.
2. Wind tunnel
3. Pitot probe
4. Support clamps for Pitot probe
5. Digital Manometer
6. 3 Dimensional Traverse
2.6 Experiment Setup
Figure 7: Wind Tunnel Setup

2.7 Wind Tunnel

The wind tunnel used is an open circuit blower type wind tunnel. Two dimensional flow
effects are eliminated through installing bell mount structures at inlet of the tunnel.
Screens are placed downstream of the inlet to homogenize turbulence effects and eddy
formation as flow enters the tunnel. Two screens one horizontal and one netted, are
present for this purpose. The flow i allowed to properly develop in order to eliminate
any unsteadiness before entering the nozzle section. This is done by letting the flow
through long piping before the nozzle section. The flow is accelerated through a 9:1
converging rectangular slot nozzle and desired speed is achieved by adjusting the motor
RPM. Care is taken to place the Pitot probe away from walls so that the flow is uniform
and quasi-two-dimensional. The flow exits through the slot into ambient atmosphere.
This is seen in the a representative figure Figure 8 and the photographic image Figure 9
Figure 8: The apparatus for measuring dynamic pressure (simplified)[3]

Figure 9: The apparatus for measuring dynamic pressure (photographic)
2.8 Nozzle
The Nozzle used is a convergent rectangular slot nozzle with a width of w = 440mm
and a height of d = 18mm. It is located at a height of h = 970mm above ground and
ejects a planar jet with its plane horizontal. The measurements of dynamic pressure
can be conducted up to a distance of l = 920mm(52d ) which includes the expected
range[7] of distance up to which self similarity is observed. This is denoted by the
Figure 10.

Figure 10: The rectangular slot nozzle[3]
The nozzle characteristics are tabulate as follows
Nozzle width (w) = 440 mm

Thickness (d ) = 18 mm
Nozzle height above ground (h) = 970 mm
Nozzle contraction ratio (c) = 18:1

2.9 Ambient Data and Associated errors

Day 1 (2nd February 2023):
Parameter Measured value Absolute error

T∞ 299.15K 0.1K
P∞ 100600P a 10P a
ρ∞ 1.1713kg /m 3
1.424 × 10−7 kg /m 3
V∞ 42m/s 0 m/s
a∞ 346.76m/s 5.80 × 10−2
M∞ 0.1211 5.66 × 10−4
Re∞ 47772.8945 231.2367
Day 2 (9th February 2023):
Parameter Measured value Absolute error

T∞ 300.15K 0.1K
P∞ 100560P a 10P a
ρ∞ 1.1670kg /m 3
1.424 × 10−7 kg /m 3
V∞ 42m/s 0 m/s
a∞ 347.34m/s 0 5.79 × 10−2
M∞ 0.1209 5.67 × 10−4
Re∞ 47476.9776 230.6976

3 THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

1. The fluid (air) is assumed to be under the continuum regime and all properties are
assumed to be point-wise continuous as per the Continuum Hypothesis.
2. The fluid in use (air) is assumed to be an ideal gas and follow equations of state as per
Ideal Gas Law[?].
3. The jet flow is assumed to be incompressible regime as the Mach number of flow is
small (M = 0.1211) and thus compressibility effects of the fluid can be ignored.
4. The air flow supplied to the wind tunnel is assumed to be having originated from
unheated stagnation conditions. Although untrue due to friction heating at the fan, this
assumption is valid as the effect of heating is negligible for low speed incompressible
flows
5. The flow is assumed to be 2 dimensional close to the centerline for the majority of the
flow due to the slot width (440mm) being much larger than its thickness (18mm). This
assumption neglects spanwise variation of velocity when far from walls (i.e. close to
centerline) as the shear effects due to wall friction is minimal.
6. Gaussian function used to characterise the velocity profile gives a reasonable estimate
of jet half width and centerline velocity.
7. Integrals computed using trapezoidal rule are reasonably accurate. This assumption is
valid as errors associated with numerical integration methods decrease with increase
in data points.
4 PROCEDURE
4.1 Measurement of Jet Velocity Profile Along the y-Direction at Various

Locations
1. The ambient conditions (ambient temperature and pressure) are noted to calculate
the density of air before the experiment. Using the calculated density, the required
dynamic pressure corresponding to specified velocity is calculated.
2. The wind tunnel and the airfoil are inspected to for any leaks or clogged ports. If present,
any leaks in the wind tunnel are closed and the data from clogged ports are neglected.

3. The Pitot probe is placed at the mouth of the slot to measure the stagnation pressure.
Care is taken so as to not place the Pitot probe close to the centerline to avoid wall
shear effects.
4. The frequency of the motor is set to achieve required dynamic pressure (measured
through Pitot probe) corresponding to the required velocity. Once the frequency is set,
the motor is left undisturbed.
5. The Pitot probe is displaced along the x-traverse and set at a distance of 3d.The Pitot
probe is displaced along the y-traverse and set at a distance such that the dynamic
pressure is close to zero. The y-location is noted.
6. The Pitot tube is displaced towards the flow in small increments and the dynamic
head measured by the manometer is noted. For repeatability, two values of dynamic
pressures are noted for each y location and their average is used.
7. The jet velocity is calculated using Eqn and the data is tabulated for future reference.
8. The Pitot probe is now moved away from the jet to a distance of 17d and the above
steps 6. and 7. are repeated for the same.
9. The same steps are repeated for the distance of 21d, 25d, 27d and 13d. The tabulated
data is used for Gaussian fit.
4.2 Measurement of Streamwise Variation of Centerline Velocity

1. The Pitot probe is placed at the mouth of the slot to measure the stagnation pressure.
Care is taken so as to not place the Pitot probe close to the centerline to avoid wall
shear effects.
2. The Pitot probe is displaced along the streamwise direction using the x-traverse in small
increments from the mouth of the slot to a distance of 15d. The dynamic head measured
by the manometer is noted for each value of x coordinate and the corresponding
centerline velocity is computed using Eqn.
3. The data is tabulated for future reference.

5 EXPERIMENTAL CALCULATIONS
5.1 Sample calculation approach

Using the dynamic pressure obtained from the measurement at nozzle exit (x = 0), The
mean jet velocity V j is calculated using the Equation2. The velocity profile for nozzle
exit is shown in Figure 11
Figure 11: Normalised Velocity profile for x = 0d
The average value of velocity comes out as 41.9066m/s.
V j = 41.9066m/s (22)
Note : The points lying at the bottom of the profile are not considered for greater
accuracy.
Similarly, the velocity profile for x = 17d and x = 21d is attached in Figure12 and
13. We obtain the velocity and normalise it with respect to the jet velocity obtained
previously in Eqn 22. A Gaussian fit is carried out for the obtained velocity points using
the expression given in Eqn 3. For convenience, the f = fit( y, U, ‘gauss1’) function in
MATLAB is used which has the following form.

y − b1
µ ¶
V (y) = a 1 exp − (23)
c1
On comparing Eqns 3 and 23, we get:
a 1 = V0 (y) (24)
b1 = y 0 (25)
b
c1 = p (26)
ln 2
where b is the half width of the velocity distribution. Adjusting the values of a 1 , b 1 and
c 1 in the MATLAB code gives us the Gaussian fit for x = 17d :
We also obtain the centerline y-coordinate, centerline velocity and the half width of the
plots directly from the MATLAB code:
y 0 = 1497.9mm (27)
V0 = 24.8382m/s (28)
b = 32.168mm (29)
Figure 12: Normalised Velocity profile for x = 17d with Gaussian fit

Similar calculations for x = 21d give the following result:
y 0 = 1500.18mm (30)
V0 = 22.3435m/s (31)
b = 48.134mm (32)
Figure 13: Normalised Velocity profile for x = 21d with Gaussian fit
The calculated values of y 0 , V0 and b are tabulated in Table ??
To normalise the y-coordinate for self-similarity plots, the half width b obtained from
the above calculations is used as the similarity parameter. To normalise the velocity, we
use the centerline velocity V0 obtained for each distance as the similarity parameter.
Thus the normalised velocity and y-coordinate is obtained from above using Eqns 6
and 5.
For calculating normalised mass, momentum and energy fluxes in section , we use the
exhaust jet mass, momentum and energy flux respectively given by:
Ṗ j = ρV j2 d (33)
ṁ j = ρV j d (34)

Ė j = ρV j3 d (35)
The values calculated are tabulated in the Table 2
5.2 Tabulated calculations
x
d
17 21 25 27 30
y 0 (mm) 1497.95 1500.18 1368.18 1367.95 1367.69
V0 (m/s) 24.8382 22.3435 20.8719 20.4062 19.4190
b 0.1097 0.0548 0.0000 -0.1097 -0.1645
Table 1: Calculated values of y 0 , V0 and b
x
d
3 17 21 25 27 30
Ṗ
Ṗ j
0.9518 0.9370 0.9259 0.9545 0.9495 0.9416
ṁ
ṁ j
1.2699 2.15057 2.3802 2.6225 2.6729 2.7926
Ė
Ė j
0.8121 0.4538 0.4025 0.3874 0.3760 0.3548
Table 2: Calculated values of normalised mass, momentum and energy fluxes

6 RESULTS
6.1 Plots
6.1.1 Representative Velocity Distribution Plots
Figure 14: Normalised velocity vs normalised y coordinate plots for different values of x
The velocity distribution is observed to diverge as the streamwise coordinate increases.

There is also a decay of axial velocity profile. This can be associated with momentum
diffusion due to turbulence in the fully developed region. These velocity profiles are
normalised with respect to the similarity parameters b and V0 and the plot is given in
Figure 18. The Gaussian fit serves to generate the characteristic similarity parameters b
and V0 used for normalisation as otherwise the plots do not appear to be similar upon
observation.

Figure 15: Normalised centerline velocity vs normalised x coordinate
The centerline velocity appears to remain constant up to a distance of x = 4d and then

starts to decay. This is associated with the flow being potential at the centerline till x =
4d and then transitioning to turbulence thereby increasing momentum diffusion. Thus
one can conclude that the potential core of the flow exists from x = 0d to approximately
x = 4d . The locations along the streamwise direction were chosen such that they
include all three zones (near nozzle zone, unsteady developing zone and fully developed
zone) of the jet flow.

6.1.2 Gaussian Fit on Velocity Profile
Figure 16: Gaussian fit for Velocity Profile for x = 17d
Figure 17: Gaussian fit for Velocity Profile for x = 21d
The velocity profile appears to agree closely with the Gaussian fit and thus the half width
of the Gaussian fit can be assumed to be the same as that of the velocity profile. This
does not mean that the velocity profile is Gaussian but rather we are using Gaussian fit
to use a uniform parameter to characterise the velocity profile for each distance and
compare it with other velocity profiles at other distances. Also, Gaussian fit eliminates
the fluctuations due to experimental errors while finding the similarity parameters.

6.1.3 Self Similarity
Figure 18: Normalised Velocity profile (with similarity parameter V0 ) vs Normalised y-coordinate
(with similarity parameter b)
The normalised plots appear to be self-similar as expected by the theoretical predictions.

Self similarity is expected due to flow achieving a statistical equilibrium such that
the velocity distribution will not develop further into any new profile. The dynamic
equilibrium results in the transfer gradual decay of axial velocity due to momentum
diffusion.

6.1.4 Axial variation of scales
´2
Vj
³
y 0.5 x
Figure 19: Axial variation of V0 (x) and d with d
From Eqns 13 and 15 we have :
sµ ¶
1
B= (36)
(slope of normalised velocity plot)
B = 0.3611 (37)
S = slope of normalised velocity plot (38)
S = 0.0883 (39)

x
6.1.5 Non-dimensionalised Momentum Flux variation with d
Ṗ x
Figure 20: Variation of Non-dimensionalised momentum flux Ṗ j
with d
The non dimensional momentum flux is observed to be constant obeying the conser-
vation of momentum in the axial direction. The linear fit has a correlation factor of
0.0136 but the RMS error is small (0.0662) and thus the fit can be assumed to be a close
estimate.

x
6.1.6 Non-dimensionalised Mass Flux variation with d
ṁ x
Figure 21: Variation of Non-dimensionalised mass flux ṁ j with d
The non dimensional mass flux is observed to be varying with x 0.5 . The linear fit has a
high correlation factor and thus the fit can be assumed to be a close estimate.

x
6.1.7 Non-dimensionalised Energy Flux variation with d
Ė x
Figure 22: Variation of Non-dimensionalised energy flux Ė j
with d
The non dimensional energy flux is observed to be varying with x −0.5 . The linear fit has
a high correlation factor and thus the fit can be assumed to be a close estimate.

6.2 Comparison with Literature and Theoretical Data

6.2.1 Normalised Velocity Profile for Various Values of x
V0 (x) x
The plots for Vj
vs d
obtained from experiment in 12 is compared to data obtained
from Förthmann[5] in Figure 23. One can Clearly see the top hat profile for the velocity
at the nozzle exit. Also the streamwise decay of the centerline velocity and spread of
the velocity profile is also observed clearly from the figure.
V0 (x) x
Figure 23: Vj vs. d from Förthmann[?] (1933) with theoretical data
6.2.2 Self similarity in the fully developed zone

Vx (y) y
The plots of V0 vs. y 0.5 obtained from the experiment is shown in Figure 18,. It is
compared with data obtained from Gordeyev[6] et al (2000) in Figure 24. The self similar
nature of the flow observed is in agreement with theoretical as well as the literature
data.

Vx (y) y
Figure 24: V0 vs. y 0.5 from Gordeyev[6] et al (2000)
6.2.3 Axial variation of scales
From
³ V ´Everitt[4] et al (1978), the plot for axial variation of normalised centerline velocity
2 y
and normalised jet half width d0.5 with dx are obtained. The comparison shows
j
V0 (x)
³ V ´2
j
agreement with the experimental data from Figure25 as we observe that V0 (x) and
y 0.5 x
d
have a linear dependence on d
beyond the potential core. The behaviour in the po-
tential core is also observed to be in agreement with the data obtained experimentally:

Figure 25: Axial variation of similarity parameters from Everitt[4] et al (1978)

6.3 Error Analysis (correct significant digits)

The below are the sources of errors due to least count of measurement devices:
1. There is an error of 0.01 millibar in barometer (4 significant digits)
2. There is an error of 0.1 K in the thermometer (3 significant digits when expressed in

Kelvin)
3. The manometer reading carry an error of 0.1 pascal (3 significant digits)
4. The screw gauge used to obtain airfoil coordinates have an error of 10 µm (2 significant
digits when expressed in mm for y-coordinate and 4 significant digits for x-coordinates
in mm)
We use the following relations for error analysis and propagation of arithmetic errors:
1. for
z =x±y (40)
q
∆z = (∆x)2 + (∆y)2 (41)
2. for
z = x ∗ y or x/y (42)
sµ
∆z ∆x 2 ∆y 2
¶ µ ¶
= + (43)
z x y
2
ρV∞
Taking ∆P = 2
, relative error in ρ is 0.000348. Thus the relative error in V j is 0.004840.
According to the calculations the relative error in V is ≈ 0.0047.
Apart from this, the curve fitting is observed to have a high correlation factor (R 2 ) and
the result matches closely with theoretical plots.

6.4 Tabulated RMS errors

The table below RMS errors of the assumed fit from actual values calculated for each
parameter.
Quantity RMS error

Ṗ
Ṗ j
0.0662
ṁ
ṁ j
0.2956
Ė
Ė j
0.4048
Table 3: Table for errors and parametric dependence on α
References
[1] Guillaume A. Bres and. The structure of a self-preserving turbulent plane jet. AIAA Fluid
Dynamics Conference, 42, 2012.
[2] L. J. S . Bradbury. The structure of a self-preserving turbulent plane jet. J . Fluid Mech.,
23, 1965.
[3] Ravinesh C. Deo, Jianchun Mi, and Graham J. Nathan. The influence of reynolds number
on a plane jet. Phys. Fluids 20, 20, 2008.
[4] K. W. Everitt and A. G. Robins. The development and structure of turbulent plane jets. J .
Fluid Mech., 88, 1978.
[5] Von E. Frthmann. ber turbulente strahlausbreitung. v. Sand, 1934.
[6] . V. Gordeyev and F. O. Thomas. Coherent structure in the turbulent planar jet. part 1.
extraction of proper orthogonal decomposition eigenmodes and their self-similarity. J.
Fluid Mech., 414, 2000.
[7] E. Gutmark and 1. Wygnanski. The planar turbulent jet. J. Fluid Mech., 73, 1976.
[8] Mrinal Kaushik, Rakesh Kumar, and Humrutha G. Review of computational fluid dy-
namics studies on jets. American Journal of Fluid Dynamics, 5, 2015.

[9] Prof. Aniruddha Sinha. Planar jet laboratory briefing notes. Department of Aerospace
Engineering, 2023.
[10] utexas.edu. photograph contribution, 2023.

Planar Jet Flow Through Rectangular Nozzle

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Aerodynamics Laboratory (AE 312)

Observation and Analysis of Planar Turbulent Jet

Instructor : Prof. Aniruddha Sinha

Department of Aerospace Engineering

2 INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANAR TURBULENT JET FLOW 2

3 THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE 15

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6.2.2 Self similarity in the fully developed zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

22 Variation of Non-dimensionalised energy flux ĖĖ with dx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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2. To measure and analyse the time averaged mean streamwise velocity.

4. To compare and verify self-similarity of spanwise velocity profile.

6. To verify predicted variation of streamwise mass and energy flux.

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2 INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANAR TURBULENT JET FLOW

2.1 Jet flows

Figure 1: Jet flow [1]

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Figure 2: Jet Flow Features [1]

Figure 3: Simplified View of Jet Flow [3]

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2.2 The Planar Jet Flow

Figure 4: The Planar Jet flow[10]

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Figure 5: Definition of Coordinate System [3]

2.3 Velocity Profile for the Planar Jet Flow

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Figure 6: Velocity profile for planar jet[8]

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2.4 Experimental Calculations

where v 0 is the centerline velocity at the given x-coordinate, y 0 is the centerline y-

The velocities and lengths are non-dimensionalised as the following

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2.4.1 Theoretical Predictions

Squaring and re-arranging the terms of Equation 12 :

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Using Equations 13 and 15 for large values of x compared to x 0 :

Mass flux is predicted to vary with x 0.5 in the streamwise direction.

Energy flux is predicted to vary with x −0.5 in the streamwise direction.

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2.5 Apparatus Used

4. Support clamps for Pitot probe

2.6 Experiment Setup

Figure 7: Wind Tunnel Setup

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2.7 Wind Tunnel

Figure 8: The apparatus for measuring dynamic pressure (simplified)[3]

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Figure 9: The apparatus for measuring dynamic pressure (photographic)

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Figure 10: The rectangular slot nozzle[3]

The nozzle characteristics are tabulate as follows

Nozzle width (w) = 440 mm

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2.9 Ambient Data and Associated errors

Parameter Measured value Absolute error

Day 2 (9th February 2023):

Parameter Measured value Absolute error

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3 THEORETICAL ASSUMPTIONS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

4.1 Measurement of Jet Velocity Profile Along the y-Direction at Various

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