Suppressing Methods of the Pressure Fluctuation in Open Jet Wind Tunnels

Abstract

Due to the distinctive structure of the test section, the open jet wind tunnel generates low-frequency pressure fluctuations (LFFs) within the range of typical wind speeds. These fluctuations significantly compromise the quality of the flow field in the test section. The evolution of the flow structure and vortex is analysed through the improved delayed detached eddy simulations (IDDES). The LFFs and the control mechanism in the open jet wind tunnel of Jilin University are then studied. The interaction between the large-scale vortex shedding at the nozzle exit and the collector forms the edge feedback, which is the main reason for the pressure fluctuation. According to the feedback mechanism, the LFFs are suppressed using the throat gap and by improving the collector shapes. The results show that the increase of the throat gap length at the collector can significantly alleviate the pressure accumulation inside the collector. The change of the collector shapes can control the impact area and time of the incoming flow, or produce permanent vortex structure to affect the impact shape of the vortex and the flow field at the collector, which allows to control the LFFs. This study lays a solid foundation for further comprehension of the aerodynamic characteristics of the open jet wind tunnels.