Numerical model of breaking-up phenomena of buoyant jets in two-layer shear stratified cross-flow validated with experimental data

This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of the breaking-up phenomena of buoyant jets in a two-layer shear-stratified cross-flow. A two-layer stratified flow can be defined as a flow field consisting of two liquids of different densities separated by an interface. Buoyant jets discharged into a crossing flow, such as desalination plants and cooling systems, pose significant challenges. These challenges increase more in the presence of stratification in the receiving medium. In this study, the behavior of buoyant jets in a two-layer stratified flow was modeled focusing on identifying the conditions under which the jet penetrates the stratified interface. For the simulations, OpenFOAM software with the buoyantPimpleFoam solver is utilized, and Smagorinsky large eddy simulation is employed. A dimensionless parameter, BOM was introduced, which represents the ratio of the interfacial shear stress and the vertical component of the momentum flux of the buoyant jet. Scrutiny of the experimental data revealed the existence of a transition zone between sure-penetration and no-penetration zones. The predictions of the model are compared with the available experimental data. The strong agreement between the model and the experimental data manifested the validity and reliability of the model in predicting buoyant jet behavior issued into a crossing two-layer stratified flow. This study provides valuable insight into the dynamics of buoyant jets in two-layer stratified flows and has implications for improving the design and environmental sustainability of effluent discharge systems in natural environments such as the Bosphorus strait.