Numerical modeling of pulsed laminar opposed impinging jets

Abstract

Fluid mixing performance and flow dynamics are key issues in opposed impinging jets and their industrial applications. Prior work has considered steady jets impinging normally against each other. Here the potential advantages of pulsed laminar opposed impinging jets are evaluated using the computational fluid dynamic approach. Two-dimensional confined opposing jets in the laminar flow regime are numerically studied, where sinusoidal flow pulsations are induced at both jets to improve the mixing performance of opposed impinging jets. The present mathematical model is validated by comparing the flow field with that of experimental results. The fluid temperature can be used as a passive tracer to evaluate the mixing rate, and the effect of Reynolds number and flow pulsation on the mixing performance is discussed for optimization of opposed jets. The periodic oscillations induced by pulsation have been shown as an effective way to improve mixing performance of laminar opposed impinging jets. The hydrodynamics characteristics are also examined to better understand the mixing properties in pulsed laminar opposed jets.