Flow Visualization for Pulsatile Vortex Ring Actuators

Formation and evolution of vortex rings produced from pulsatile vortex ring thrusters are studied using flow visualization techniques. A vortex ring thruster consists of a cavity with an orifice at one end and an oscillating plunger at the opposite end which periodically creates a volume change in the cavity forcing a jet emission of fluid through the orifice into the surrounding reservoir. The ratio of the cylindrical jet length to its diameter, known as the stroke ratio, is a primary factor in the vortex ring formation characteristics. Flow visualization is employed in order to measure the translational velocity of the leading vortex ring for the range of stroke ratios of 2.96–5.92. The velocity time history of the vortex rings is studied with the results comparing well with theoretical approximations. Additionally vortex ring dimensions, including semimajor axis, semiminor axis, the ratio of these dimensions, and core to core radius, are considered. Also the volume of the vortex ring atmosphere is studied. The variations of these parameters with respect to stroke ratio, time, and distance from the orifice are investigated.Copyright © 2008 by ASME