Influence of a strong density stratification on the entrainment of a turbulent axisymmetric plume

The effect of entrainment and the role of the interface during the interaction between an axisymmetric turbulent mass plume and a strong stratified layer are investigated. We describe mainly the characteristics of the plume: the change in the profiles of the density, the horizontal component of the velocity and the corresponding intensity of turbulence, the change in the entrainment co-efficient, when the plume goes through the impingement interface, assuming a self-similar Gaussian property of the axial velocity component and of the density difference. The influence of the stratification on the plume angle coefficient is studied, and compared with the results related to a homogeneous environment, obtained elsewhere. Experimental correlation on the mean entrainment coefficient in a given plume cross-section, is formulated.