TURBULENT JETS AND PLUMES

Turbulent jets are fluid flows produced by a pressure drop through an orifice. Turbulent plumes are fluid motions whose primary source of kinetic energy and momentum flux is body forces derived from density inhomogeneities. Plumes have not been studied in the same detail as jets but nevertheless there have been some recent gains in the understanding of their mechanics. This article reviews this progress, especially in relation to how jets and plumes interact with environmental factors, such as density stratification or uniform motion of the ambient fluid.