Study of a mixing layer formed by a supersonic main stream of air and a co-flowing supersonic helium jet

The development of large-scale organised motions in a compressible mixing layer is studied experimentally using holographic interferometry, pressure and turbulence measurements. The mixing layer was formed behind the base of a parallel strut with a Mach 2 air main stream and a co-flowing two-dimensional slot jet (aspect ratio = 45) of helium at a Mach number of 1.2. The mixing layer exhibited highly organised vortical structures which were elongated and inclined approximately 45-50degrees to the flow direction. The mixing layer showed a linear growth and the mean velocity data indicated self-similar behaviour at sufficiently downstream distances. The results have shown that the thickness of the primary boundary layer has a strong influence on the growth and structure of the mixing layer.