Evolution of turbulence using a random jet array

Abstract

Random jet arrays (RJAs) have been shown to be effective in generating zero mean flow homogeneous isotropic turbulence. While many laboratory studies have investigated the flow in these facilities, there are several remaining questions regarding the evolution of turbulence, from the development of turbulence to where it decays, along with understanding how input energy from the jet array transfers into different turbulent flow characteristics. To address these questions, we perform a series of laboratory experiments in which we alter the parameters of the randomized algorithm, along with the jet spacing and outlet velocity of the jets. We first determine the location where turbulence transitions to a fully developed state and show that it is a function of jet penetration length, ${\mathcal{L}}_{\mathcal{J}}$, and effective jet spacing, $S_e$. We identify three distinct regions for the spatial decay of turbulence in RJA facilities and notably, we find different decay rates, unlike previous studies that report only one spatial decay rate using similar facilities. These regions are shown to depend on the variations of input parameters yet independent of the strength of the mean flow. We also find the strength of the mean flow does not affect the homogeneity, nor the production, transport, or advection terms of the turbulent kinetic energy budget equation. Finally, we address a longstanding question toward estimating turbulence metrics with an RJA based on the input parameters. We define an efficiency parameter that provides insight into the transfer rate of input power to the dissipation rate of the generated turbulence.