Spatial and temporal characteristics of scalar dissipation rate in a stopping turbulent jet

Scalar dissipation rate (SDR) evolution in a stopping turbulent jet was analysed using direct numerical simulations and a theoretical approach. After the jet is stopped, a deceleration wave for the SDR propagates downstream with a speed similar to that for axial velocity. Upstream of the deceleration wave, mean centreline SDR becomes proportional to axial distance, and inversely proportional to the square of time. After passing of the deceleration wave, normalised radial profiles of SDR and its axial, radial and azimuthal components reach self-similar states, denoted decelerating self-similar profiles, which are different from their steady-state counterparts. Production and destruction terms in the mean SDR transport equation remain dominant in the decelerating self-similar state. The theoretical approach provides an explicit prediction for the radial profile of a turbulent fluctuation term of the mean SDR transport equation. Three turbulent SDR models are validated, and modifications suitable for the decelerating jet are proposed, based on a self-similarity analysis.