The Influence of Aspect Ratio on Incompressible, Turbulent Flows From Rectangular Slots

Abstract

SummaryJets issuing from rectangular slots cut in thin plates exhibit some unusual features, including unequal spreading rates in the spanwise and transverse directions, the appearance of velocity peaks near the “ends” of the jet and changing rates of centreline velocity decay in the downstream direction. This study examines the effects of aspect ratio on such flows. The flow field has been investigated using both total head tubes and hot wire anemometry. The results are presented in the form of three-dimensional plots of total pressure and contour maps of constant velocity, streamwise turbulence intensity and the Reynolds shear stresses. The decay of mean velocity and stream-wise turbulence intensity along the centreline are presented. The rates of spanwise spreading and the location of the velocity peaks at various downstream stations are discussed. If the aspect ratio is small enough, spanwise peaks in the mean velocity distribution are suppressed.