Direct Numerical Simulations of Turbulent Planar Viscoelastic Jets

New direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulent planar jets of viscoelastic fluid described by the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic constitutive equation closed with the Peterlin approximation (FENE-P) are carried. The data covers the entire transitional region as well as the fully turbulent jets far-field up to 20 slot widths. The influence of rheological parameters on jets statistical and instantaneous fields are assessed, revealing considerable changes in comparison to the Newtonian case. In particular, the solvent maximum value of the centreline mean kinetic turbulent energy dissipation is reduced by a factor greater than 50% in the most dramatic case, showing clearly the influence of the polymer on the flow turbulence. Significant changes are also found in the transitional region of the flow.