Phenomenology of Turbulence Production in Merging Process of Supersonic Streamwise Vortices

What is it about?

The manuscript presents the findings of Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry surveys aimed at characterizing the merging of two co-rotating streamwise vortices in supersonic flow, and an analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy levels and distribution with the support of a reduced-order numerical model. As can be seen in the manuscript, merging of supersonic vortices is responsible for the formation of a larger structure, both in size and strength, as well as for the production of turbulence within its core. The extent of the effects of the merging on the flow-field suggests that it may be possible to control this turbulence production, making it beneficial for mixing strategies applicable to scramjet combustors.

Featured Image