Experimental investigation on interactions among fluid and rod-like particles in a turbulent pipe jet by means of particle image velocimetry

The near field of a turbulent circular pipe jet laden with rigid rod-like particles is investigated experimentally by means of particle image velocimetry. Two mass fraction loadings are examined at a Reynolds number equal to 9,000. A simple and robust phase discrimination scheme based on image intensity threshold is presented and validated. Simultaneous flow and dispersed phase velocities data are discussed and compared to literature data for spherical and elongated particles providing insight on phase interactions. Being the Stokes number around unity, both inertial and dynamical effects have high relevance, the former giving rise to velocity lag among particles and fluid and the latter to turbulence modulation in the carrier flow induced by the dispersed phase.