Numerical Simulation of Twin Impinging Jets in Tandem Through a Crossflow

The flow field of ground vortex generated by twin impinging jets in tandem through a crossflow is numerically studied in detail. Numerical simulation and visualization are presented for two turbulent circular jets emerging into a low velocity cross stream, impinging after on a flat surface perpendicular to the geometrical jet nozzle axis. The numerical study is based in experimental studies done early, so all the features of the experimental flow were maintained when the numerical simulation was performed. The Reynolds number used was based on the jet exit conditions of 43.000-105.000, a jet to crossflow velocity ratio of 22.5-43.8 an impinging height of 20.1 jet diameters and an interject spacing’s of S = 5D and L = 6D. The analysis of the flow was extended to regions and flow conditions for which no measurements have been obtained in last experimental studies, i.e., for velocity ratios of 7.5-60. The numerical results show that for the smallest velocity ratios the jets initially do not mix but remain together in two layers. Three different types of flow regimes were identify, therefore when VSTOL aircrafts operating in ground vicinity, only the regime with strong impingement on ground and with a formation of a ground vortex is relevant. The numerical results allowed to extend the last experimental studies and prove that the deflection of the rear jet is due to the competing influences the wake, the shear layer, the downstream wall jet of the first jet and the crossflow.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia