Flow Velocity Investigation by Particle Image Velocimetry in Supersonic Air Ejector

Abstract

Ejectors are devices usually made of two convergent/divergent coaxial nozzles which are used to convert pressure energy into kinetic energy. These devices involve very complex phenomena which strongly affect their performance. Flow visualization methods are often used to provide precious information as for the nature of the flow within the ejectors and the comprehension of the physical phenomena encountered. Unfortunately, the visualization methods used successfully until now in these systems are primarily qualitative techniques. Some attempts at quantitative flow visualization by Particle Image Velocimetry have been carried out in quite specific applications but with mitigated results due to the complicated conditions of investigation. The objective of this paper is to present an attempt at PIV measurements in a supersonic air ejector. Several ejector operating conditions and flow seeding methods are taken into consideration. The velocity fields obtained are compared with CFD simulations of the flow and allow the rigorous validation of numerical models.