The Mean Flow Structure on the Symmetry Plane of a Turbulent Junction Vortex

Abstract

The mean flow structure on the symmetry plane of a turbulent junction vortex is documented. A two-channel, two-color LDV system allowed nonintrusive measurements of the two velocity components on the symmetry plane. Extensive measurements were made in and around the separation point and within the junction vortex system, both very close to the floor and to the leading edge of the body generating the vortex system. Real-time smoke visualizations confirmed a region of strongly time-variant flow with large changes in the scale and position of the principal vortex structure. The extensive velocity field data are correlated with high quality surface visualizations and surface pressure measurements. The mean velocity measurements show one large well-defined vortex structure and one singular saddle point of separation on the symmetry plane. The transverse vorticity field computed from the extensive velocity field suggests a very strong but small second, counter rotating vortex located in the extreme corner formed by the floor and leading edge of the body. The surface flow visualization suggests only one clear separation line. The single pair of counter rotating vortices revealed by these detailed LDV velocity measurements is in agreement with two independent studies which used multiple orifice pressure probes. This measured two vortex model is not in agreement with the frequently pictured four vortex flow model, inferred from surface flow visualizations, showing two pairs of counter rotating vortices.