An Experimental Investigation of Merging Buoyant Jets in a Crossflow

Merging buoyant jets discharged in a crossflow were investigated experimentally using a unique visualization technique. Salt water jets were discharged from a constant head tank while being towed in an inverted position at desired rates through stagnant receiving water. Visualization of the jet cross section was produced by using fluorescent dye and a vertical slit light source. The results were photographed as a sequence of instantaneous cross sections taken by a motor-driven camera. Maximum heights, widths, and the vertical cross sections of the deflected jets were determined for different ratios of crossflow velocity to discharge velocity, number of discharge jets and discharge nozzle line orientation. Horseshoe shaped cross sections were observed in the cases of a single jet and multiple jets where the crossflow velocity was parallel to the line of discharge ports, but the horseshoe pattern was not clear when the cross flow was perpendicular to the line of multiple jets. The wake behind the multiple jets in the crossflow exhibited a distinct trailing vortex sheet.