Static pressure distribution in the free turbulent jet

Abstract

Measurements of mean velocity, turbulent stress and static pressure were made in the mixing region of a jet of air issuing from a slot nozzle into still air. The velocity was low and the two-dimensional flow was effectively incompressible. The results are examined in terms of the unsimplified equations of fluid motion, and comparisons are drawn with the common assumptions and simplifications of free jet theory. Appreciable deviations from isobaric conditions exist and the deviations are closely related to the local turbulent stresses. Negative static pressures were encountered everywhere in the mixing field except in the potential wedge region immediately adjacent to the nozzle. Lateral profiles of mean longitudinal velocity conformed closely to an error curve at all stations further than 7 slot widths from the nozzle mouth. An asymptotic approach to complete self-preservation of the flow was observed.