Computation of an Axisymmetric Jet using OpenFOAM

The present work is a numerical simulation of a turbulent free jet issuing from an axisymmetric orifice into quiescent air environment. The numerical simulation was carried out by solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations using OpenFOAM. The standard two-equation k-E eddy viscosity turbulence model was used to simulate the turbulent flow field in a three dimensional cylindrical domain. The numerical predictions are compared with experimental data in order to assess the capability/limitations of the turbulence model to reproduce the physics involved and the code using jet case examined in this work. The standard k-E model predictions in terms of centre line mean velocity decay, spread rate, entrainment, self-similarity, turbulence intensities and Reynolds stress, are found to reproduce the physics of the jet flow and agree approximately with experimental data. New information such as evolution of turbulent kinetic energy budget, length scales and time scales is provided.