A numerical study on the unsteady evolution of weak axisymmetric fountain flows in a homogeneous ambient

Weak axisymmetrical fountains resulting from the injection of a dense fluid upwards into a large container of homogeneous fluid of lower density has b een studied numerically in this paper using a time-accurate finite volume s cheme. The behaviour of fountains for both the uniform and parabolic profil es of the discharge velocity at the fountain source has been investigated. The evolution of transient fountain flow has been analysed and two distinct stages of evolution have been identified. The time trace of the position o f the fountain front has been presented and the initial, temporary and fina l fountain height and fountain width have been determined.