Comparative Study on the Aerodynamic Effects of Various Jet Deflectors on a Mach 0.1 Steady Jet

In this study, we analyze the effect of three distinct jet deflector designs - solid plate, porous, and super ellipse - on a steady jet at a Mach number of 0.10 exiting from a 2-inch nozzle. The Reynolds numbers based on the nozzle exit diameter and the jet exit velocity is 103,000. The jet deflector prototypes were created using 3D printing to elucidate their distinct aerodynamic effects. All the deflectors are placed at a distance of 3D downstream from the nozzle exit, where d is the nozzle exit diameter. The centerline of the nozzle is aligned with the centerline of the jet deflectors with the deflectors placed perpendicular to the nozzle exit plane. Through a comparative evaluation of these models, our goal is to delineate their discrete flow control mechanisms and their effectiveness in jet deflection, turbulence modulation, and flow control. Z-type Schlieren imaging is used for visualizing flow phenomena to observe the changes in flow structures and patterns induced by each deflector. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) will be used to procure high-fidelity, two-dimensional velocity field data. The combined use of these techniques allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex flow dynamics associated with each deflector design. Our preliminary findings indicate diverse flow characteristics unique to each design. The porous deflector exhibits potential for enhanced jet control, while the super ellipse model suggests a potential for noise mitigation. This research will contribute to the fundamental comprehension of jet deflection phenomena and could potentially inspire the development of more effective jet deflector designs in diverse applications, such as gas turbine engines and aerospace propulsion systems.