What Causes Jets to Entrain Mass?

In summary: This is because the interface between the jet and the surrounding air needs to be at the same velocity, causing the jet to accelerate and entrain nearby air. This is due to fluids being treated as continuum mechanics and the jet needing to displace air in its path, transferring energy and momentum.
  • #1
larsa
47
2
I have done a research on google but still i can't find a reason why air is entrained in jets. An example of a jet is the fuel jet in a combustion chamber of a diesel engine. I suspect it has to do with the conservation of mass principle. Thank you in advance.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Free jets emanate form an orifice and are traveling at much higher velocities then the surrounding fluid (lets say air jets in air). The interface between the jet and the surrounding air needs to be at the same velocity, so the jet has to accelerate the nearby surrounding air to satisfy this requirement. As the nearby air is accelerated, it will need to accelerate yet more nearby air, etc., and thus free jets entrain surrounding air as they expand out of the orifice and travel through the surrounding environment.
 
  • Like
Likes larsa
  • #3
Why the interface between the jet and the surrounding air needs to be at the same velocity?
 
  • #4
larsa said:
Why the interface between the jet and the surrounding air needs to be at the same velocity?

Fluids are treated as continuum mechanics. The jet has to displace air in its path, right? So it is going to transfer some energy/momentum.
 
  • Like
Likes larsa
  • #5
MarkJW said:
Fluids are treated as continuum mechanics. The jet has to displace air in its path, right? So it is going to transfer some energy/momentum.
Thank you for your answer
 

1. Why do jets entrain mass?

Jets entrain mass because of a phenomenon called entrainment. This occurs when a high-speed fluid, such as air in the case of jets, drags surrounding fluid along with it. When a jet moves through the air, it creates a low-pressure zone behind it. This low-pressure zone draws in air from the surrounding environment, causing the jet to entrain mass.

2. What factors affect the entrainment of mass in jets?

Several factors can affect the entrainment of mass in jets. These include the speed and size of the jet, the density and viscosity of the fluid it is moving through, as well as environmental factors such as temperature and pressure. The shape and design of the jet can also play a role in entrainment.

3. How does entrainment of mass impact the performance of jets?

The entrainment of mass can have both positive and negative impacts on the performance of jets. On one hand, it can increase the thrust and lift generated by the jet, allowing it to fly faster and more efficiently. However, entrainment can also create drag and turbulence, which can decrease the jet's overall performance.

4. Is the entrainment of mass in jets a constant or variable phenomenon?

The entrainment of mass in jets is a variable phenomenon. It can vary depending on the speed and altitude of the jet, as well as the surrounding environmental conditions. Additionally, factors such as turbulence, air density, and the design of the jet can also affect the amount of mass entrained.

5. Can entrainment of mass be controlled or manipulated in jets?

Yes, the entrainment of mass in jets can be controlled and manipulated through various means. For example, the shape and design of the jet can be optimized to reduce drag and increase efficiency. Additionally, technologies such as boundary layer control can be used to manipulate the airflow around the jet and reduce entrainment of mass.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • New Member Introductions
Replies
1
Views
521
  • Classical Physics
Replies
6
Views
663
  • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
207
Views
3K
  • Mechanics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top