Scalar spatial correlations in a supersonic mixing flowfield

Single-time two-point spatial correlations of injectant concentrations in the supersonic mixing flowfield produced by a sonic transverse injection of air into a Mach 2.0 supersonic airstream were investigated using acetone planar laser-induced fluorescence data. Side-view and end-view contour maps were obtained in several planes to characterize the turbulent structure and three-dimensionality of the mixing flowfield. The correlation maps indicated an organized large-scale structure in the upper region of the jet. The side-view correlation maps revealed that the shape of the large dominating structure was elliptic and that its major axis turned from backward-leaning to forward-leaning as the reference point of correlation moved downstream. The end-view correlation maps showed that the instantaneous jet plume appeared by turns either in the top or in the lower sides of the time-averaged injectant plume in each cross section.