Measurements in Vertical Plane Turbulent Plumes

Mean-flow and turbulence measurements have been obtained in two-dimensional vertical turbulent plumes in a nominally still ambient. The plumes were generated by injecting hot water vertically upwards from the bottom of a reservior containing cold water. A two-component Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA) and a “cold-film” resistance thermometer were used to obtain instantaneous velocity and temperature measurements in the plume. The present mean-flow measurements have confirmed many of the earlier measurements on plane plumes, but have also indicated some important differences. The use of the two-component LDA made it possible to obtain data on turbulent intensities, turbulent fluxes and other details of the structure of turbulence in plane plumes. The turbulence measurements have shown that the eddy viscosity and turbulence are significantly higher in the plume compared to an isothermal jet. Detailed measurements of energy balance suggest that buoyant production contributes substantially to this increase.