NUMERICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF RADIAL JET REATTACHMENT FLOWS

A finite volume computational scheme to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for the laminar flow fields of partially enclosed axial and radial jets impinging on a flat plate has been devised and tested. This scheme is based on the SIMPLEC technique. However, because of the backflow at the 'outflow' boundary, the SIMPLEC pressure correction technique has to be modified. The need for this modification, necessitated by the convergence failure, showed the 'hidden' pressure boundary condition of SIMPLE-type techniques. Test computations with the present scheme for flows in a channel with a built-in cylinder show that the location of the exit boundary affects very slightly the separated flow behind the cylinder. Computed Squire jet flows compare quite well with the available analytical solution. Finally, impinging radial jets have been computed for different Reynolds numbers. The results show the critical Reynolds number below which a stead solution is obtained and above which periodic and eventually chaotic flows result.