Velocity measurements and flow visualizations of jet interaction with a sharp density interface

Velocity measurements and flow visualization through the end of a high Reynolds-number round jet which impinged from above on a sharp, vertically stable density interface have been conducted in a water tank using a two-component laser Doppler velocimetry and a chemically reacting, laser-induced fluorescence techniques. It was found for the first time that turbulence characteristics of the penetrating jet front are influenced considerably by the entrainment and mixing of fluid across the bounding density interface. These results reveal that the assumption of the negligence of the influence of stratification on turbulence characteristics of the penetrating jet/plume assumed by Baines (1975) and Kumagai (1984) may require reconsideration.