Detached eddy simulation on the structure of swirling jet flow field

Abstract

The improved delayed detached eddy simulation method with shear stress transport model was used to analyze the evolution of vortex structure, velocity and pressure fields of swirling jet. The influence of nozzle pressure drop on vortex structure development and turbulence pulsation was investigated. The development of vortex structure could be divided into three stages: Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability, transition stage and swirling flow instability. Swirling flow could significantly enhance radial turbulence pulsation and increase diffusion angle. At the downstream of the jet flow, turbulence pulsation dissipation was the main reason for jet velocity attenuation. With the increase of pressure drop, the jet velocity, pulsation amplitude and the symmetry of velocity distribution increased correspondingly. Meanwhile the pressure pulsation along with the axis and vortex transport intensity also increased significantly. When the jet distance exceeded about 9 times the dimensionless jet distance, the impact distance of swirling jet could not be improved effectively by increasing the pressure drop. However, it could effectively increase the swirl intensity and jet diffusion angle. The swirling jet is more suitable for radial horizontal drilling with large hole size, coalbed methane horizontal well cavity completion and roadway drilling and pressure relief, etc.

Keywords

• swirling jet
• flow field structure
• detached eddy
• vortex evolution
• turbulence pulsation
• jet velocity