Coherent structure identification in a lobed mixer

The influence of large scale structures on the flow in a lobed mixer (a device utilized to enhance streamwise vorticity for increased mixing) is examined by a pseudo flow visualization method (v. Delville et al. 1988), and the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) (v. Lumley 1967). The pseudo flow visualization method utilizes specially designed hot wire rakes with high spatial resolution to provide the capability of plotting instantaneous velocity profiles. In this work, a rake of 15 hot wires is used to provide these profiles for a velocity ratio of 2:1, at several positions downstream of the lobed mixer. From these profiles a detailed description of the flow field is achieved. In particular, from this information, an idea of the spatial extent and shedding frequency of the large scale structures is determined. The shedding frequencies found are consistent with those found from spectral measurements. A one-dimensional version of the POD is then applied, which utilizes the measured streamwise velocity two-point correlation tensor. The pseudo flow visualization technique is then used to view the contribution from each proper orthogonal mode to the instantaneous signal and comparisons made to the full signal.