A swirling jet under the influence of a coaxial flow

The recirculating flow field generated by a swirling jet and a coaxial annular stream entering a pipe is investigated with the use of 2D-DPIV. Parametric change of inlet flow rates (constant tangential injection with change of annular flow and vice versa) is being considered in order to study the mean and turbulent flow field. A recirculation bubble stabilized close to the swirler exit is the dominating feature of the interaction between the inner swirling jet and the annular stream. Results are discussed in terms of bubble topology and dynamics on the basis of a modified Rossby number that appears to describe the trends of the complex flow field. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.