Spectral proper orthogonal decomposition analysis of a spatially developing underexpanded round jet at Re <b>=</b> 45 000

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the coherent structures within a spatially developing underexpanded axisymmetric jet at a Reynolds number of 45 000, utilizing high-fidelity implicit large eddy simulations (iLES) in conjunction with spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD). In the frequency–wavenumber space, the global SPOD analysis identifies three distinct coherent structures, corresponding to three different mechanisms, namely, Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH), Orr, and lift-up. Their salient characteristics are discussed in detail. Local SPOD analysis further explores the streamwise evolution of these coherent structures, revealing that the influence of KH mechanism is confined to the near field, while the lift-up mechanism persists and dominates the energy content beyond the potential core, with the streaks of azimuthal wavenumbers one and two being the most energetic. The reconstruction of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and Reynolds shear stress from SPOD modes is assessed, and the first few azimuthal modes with low wavenumbers and frequencies are found crucial for capturing the dominant features of the flow. It is found that only the m = 0 and m = 1 modes contribute to the TKE at the centerline. The Reynolds shear stress reconstruction quality is comparable to TKE, but with a negligible contribution from the m = 0 mode. The azimuthal mode m = 1 captures the slope of the actual Reynolds shear stress profile in the vicinity of centerline, while m = 2 and higher modes capture the peak location of the actual profile.