Low frequency sound generated by flow separation in a conical diffuser

The sound field in a circular pipe generated by a concentric jet flow entering the pipe is studied. In the first case the air flow enters the pipe through a convergent nozzle only. In the second case a short diffuser is attached to the nozzle. When the diffuser half angle is small enough to ensure attached flow conditions, the sound pressure level in the duct is reduced over the entire frequency range measured. When the diffuser angle is increased up to the point where flow separation occurs, an increase in the duct sound pressure level is observed. It is shown by means of cross-correlation measurements involving the unsteady wall pressures in the diffuser and the sound pressure in the duct that the increased sound levels are in fact caused by the flow separation in the diffuser.