Three-Dimensional Characterization of a Pure Thermal Plume

Pure thermal plumes have been investigated by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) techniques. While classical plume features have been checked out, time-dependent analysis allows one to clearly detect contraction and expulsion phases which are mainly driven by turbulent structure behavior. Balance of momentum equation demonstrates the link between stronger structures and expulsion-contraction motion mainly dominated by plume engulfment during contraction phases. A ratio of 3 between entrained mass flow rate during contraction and expulsion phases has been estimated. A new method, never previously applied to pure thermal plume, allows one to accurately characterize entrainment mechanism and for the first time, the latter renders it possible to estimate the entrainment coefficient all along the plume height, even close to the heating source. Moreover, entrainment coefficient is found to be 20% higher with direct method as opposed to the classical differential one widely used in the literature. Such a huge gap is found to be due to the fluctuating density and velocity part. Even through it markedly contributes to an enhanced entrainment mechanism, the role of fluctuation was generally overlooked in the previous works devoted to entrainment coefficient estimate.