Characteristics of Flow Around Cone-Vane Configurations for a Novel Crypto-Steady Pressure Exchange Ejector System

A novel ejector based on the concept of supersonic crypto-steady pressure exchange rather than the more energy dissipative turbulent entrainment phenomenon is being developed. Crypto-steady flow is one in which, the flow is steady in a certain moving frame of reference, but is non-steady relative to the laboratory. The process of pressure exchange occurs where flows exchange mechanical energy through work of mutually exerted pressure forces at their interfaces. Such an ejector would have higher efficiency and environmental benefits. It has been envisioned that crypto-steady pressure-exchange can be obtained by the use of a free spinning rotor (cone-vane configuration) having canted jets of primary fluid. The resolution of the flow structure with emphasis on shock and expansion waves and mixing between primary and secondary fluids is being considered under certain rotor configurations. A single component Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) system has been employed in studying the interaction between the supersonic primary jet, and the entrained subsonic secondary jet under nonrotating rotor conditions. The data reduction of measurements is being performed using a simple signal conditioning and data analysis algorithm executed in real time with a digital oscilloscope and in parallel, with a more advanced frequency tracking flow processor. Crypto-steady pressure-exchange has the potential of providing society with a highly efficient means of compressing a low energy fluid through direct contact with a relatively high energy fluid. An experimental framework for investigating the process of pressure exchange is reported and a hypothesis for pseudoblade formation is also established.