Purpose Subsonic commercial aircraft operate with turbo-fan engines that operate with moderate bypass ratio (BR) co-flowing jets (CFJ). This study aims to analyse CFJ with constant BR 6.3 and varying primary nozzle lip thickness (LT) to find a critical LT in CFJ below which mixing enhances and beyond which mixing inhibits. Design/methodology/approach CFJ were characterized with a constant BR of 6.3 and varying lip thicknesses. A single free jet with a diameter equal to that of a primary nozzle of the co-flowing jet was also studied for comparison. Findings The results show that within a critical limit, the mixing enhanced with an increase in LT. This was signified by a reduction in potential core length (PCL). Beyond this limit, mixing inhibited leading to the elongation of PCL. This limit was controlled by parameters such as LT and magnitude of BR. Practical implications The BR value of CFJ in the present study was 6.3. This lies under the moderate BR value at which subsonic commercial turbofan operates. Hence, it becomes impervious to study its mixing behavior. Originality/value This is the first effort to find the critical value of LT for a constant BR for compressible co-flow jets. The CFJ with moderate BR and varying LT has not been studied in the past. The present study focuses on finding a critical LT below which mixing enhances and above which mixing inhibits.

Purpose This study aims to analyze co-flowing jets (CFJs) with constant velocity ratio (VR) and varying primary nozzle lip thickness (LT) to find a critical LT in CFJs below which mixing enhances and beyond which mixing inhibits. Design/methodology/approach CFJs were characterized with a constant VR and varying LTs. A single free jet with a diameter equal to that of a primary nozzle of the CFJ was used for characteristic comparison. Numerical simulation is carried out and is validated with the experimental results. Findings The results show that within a critical limit, the mixing enhanced with an increase in LT. This was signified by a reduction in potential core length (PCL). Beyond this limit, mixing inhibited leading to the elongation of PCL. This limit was controlled by parameters such as LT and constant VR. A new region termed as influential wake zone is identified. Practical implications In this study, the VR is maintained constant and bypass ratio (BR) was varied from low value to very high values. Presently, subsonic commercial turbo fan operates under low to ultra-high BR. Hence the present study becomes vital to the current scenario. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first effort to find the critical value of LT for a constant VR for compressible co-flow jets. The CFJs with constant VR and varying LT have not been studied in the past. The present study focuses on finding a critical LT below which mixing enhances and above which mixing inhibits.