Recirculation of confined variable density turbulent jets

An investigation of recirculating characteristics of circular turbulent confined jets with large density variations is presented. This numerical study aims at testing analytical predictions associated with the Craya-Curtet number. It investigates also its effect on the dynamic field and recirculation. It appears that for different density (He-air, CO2-air) and geometry ratios, the non-isothermal Craya-Curtet number [1] is not sufficient to describe the flow pattern or predict its recirculation. Depending on the momentum, aspect and density ratios of the flow, the centre of the recirculating flow (the eye) tends to reach the initial (non-self-preserving) region of the jet and influences the development of the jet. As a consequence, predictions are not in agreement with theory. The reason is that initial conditions do not satisfy the hypothesis used in the prediction of recirculation theory. Calculations are performed in three configurations: CO2, air and He. These configurations are fully developed pipe jets evolving in an air secondary turbulent flow. Validations are performed using experimental data [2] obtained in similar configurations for the three gases.