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At least 271 records · Page 15

A critical comparison of turbulence models for homogeneous shear flows in a rotating frame

A variety of turbulence models, including five second-order closure models and four two equation models, are tested for the problem of homogeneous turbulent shear flow in a rotating frame. The model predictions for the time evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate, as well as those for the equilibrium states, are compared with the results of physical and numerical experiments. Most of the two-equation models predict the same results for all rotation rates (omega/S) in which there is an exponential time growth of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate. The second-order closures are qualitatively superior since, consistent with physical and numerical experiments, they only predict this type of unstable flow for intermediate rotation rates in the range -0.1 less than or equal to omega/S less than or equal to 1.6. For rotation rates outside this range, there is an exchange of stabilities with a solution whose kinetic energy and dissipation rate decay with time. Although the second-order closures are superior to the two-equation models, there are still problems with the quantitative accuracy of thier predictions.

Speziale, Charles G.↗

A critical comparison of turbulence models for homogeneous shear flows in a rotating frame

A variety of turbulence models, including five second-order closure models and four two equation models, are tested for the problem of homogeneous turbulent shear flow in a rotating frame. The model predictions for the time evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate, as well as those for the equilibrium states, are compared with the results of physical and numerical experiments. Most of the two-equation models predict the same results for all rotation rates (omega/S) in which there is an exponential time growth of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate. The second-order closures are qualitatively superior since, consistent with physical and numerical experiments, they only predict this type of unstable flow for intermediate rotation rates in the range -0.1 less than or equal to omega/S less than or equal to 1.6. For rotation rates outside this range, there is an exchange of stabilities with a solution whose kinetic energy and dissipation rate decay with time. Although the second-order closures are superior to the two-equation models, there are still problems with the quantitative accuracy of their predictions.

Speziale, Charles G.↗

A two-equation turbulence model for compressible reacting flows

A two-equation turbulence model (k-epsilon) has been modified to model compressible reacting flows. A compressibility correction model based on modeling the dilatational terms in the Reynolds stress equations has been used. Computations are carried out using the Navier-Stokes solver SPARK which includes a finite rate chemistry model for hydrogen-air combustion. Initially, planar compressible mixing layers are simulated. Comparisons of the predictions with available experimental data and the predictions of a compressible Reynolds stress closure indicate that the model is well suited for the study of such flows. The decrease in the growth rate of the mixing layer with increasing convective Mach number is well predicted. The model is then tested on a three-dimensional supersonic flow problem where solid boundaries are present. An axisymmetric nonreacting mixing layer flow involving dissimilar gases is evaluated next using the model and the predictions are compared with available experimental data. Finally, two reacting turbulent flow configurations have been studied and comparison of predictions and experimental data has been done. The comparisons indicate that the model predicts the overall features of the test cases very well.

Narayan, J. R.↗

Turbulence models for compressible boundary layers

It is shown that to satisfy the general accepted compressible law of the wall derived from the Van Driest transformation, turbulence modeling coefficients must actually be functions of density gradients. The transformed velocity profiles obtained by using standard turbulence model constants have too small a value of the effective von Karman constant kappa in the log-law region (inner layer). Thus, if the model is otherwise accurate, the wake component is overpredicted and the predicted skin friction is lower than the expected value.

Huang, P. G.↗

Comparative Study of Advanced Turbulence Models for Turbomachinery

A computational study has been undertaken to study the performance of advanced phenomenological turbulence models coded in a modular form to describe incompressible turbulent flow behavior in two dimensional/axisymmetric and three dimensional complex geometry. The models include a variety of two equation models (single and multi-scale k-epsilon models with different near wall treatments) and second moment algebraic and full Reynolds stress closure models. These models were systematically assessed to evaluate their performance in complex flows with rotation, curvature and separation. The models are coded as self contained modules that can be interfaced with a number of flow solvers. These modules are stand alone satellite programs that come with their own formulation, finite-volume discretization scheme, solver and boundary condition implementation. They will take as input (from any generic Navier-Stokes solver) the velocity field, grid (structured H-type grid) and computational domain specification (boundary conditions), and will deliver, depending on the model used, turbulent viscosity, or the components of the Reynolds stress tensor. There are separate 2D/axisymmetric and/or 3D decks for each module considered. The modules are tested using Rocketdyn's proprietary code REACT. The code utilizes an efficient solution procedure to solve Navier-Stokes equations in a non-orthogonal body-fitted coordinate system. The differential equations are discretized over a finite-volume grid using a non-staggered variable arrangement and an efficient solution procedure based on the SIMPLE algorithm for the velocity-pressure coupling is used. The modules developed have been interfaced and tested using finite-volume, pressure-correction CFD solvers which are widely used in the CFD community. Other solvers can also be used to test these modules since they are independently structured with their own discretization scheme and solver methodology. Many of these modules have been independently tested by Professor C.P. Chen and his group at the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) by interfacing them with own flow solver (MAST).

Hadid, Ali H.↗

An investigation of DTNS2D for use as an incompressible turbulence modelling test-bed

This paper documents an investigation of a two dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes solver for use as a test-bed for turbulence modelling. DTNS2D is the code under consideration for use at the Center for Modelling of Turbulence and Transition (CMOTT). This code was created by Gorski at the David Taylor Research Center and incorporates the pseudo compressibility method. Two laminar benchmark flows are used to measure the performance and implementation of the method. The classical solution of the Blasius boundary layer is used for validating the flat plate flow, while experimental data is incorporated in the validation of backward facing step flow. Velocity profiles, convergence histories, and reattachment lengths are used to quantify these calculations. The organization and adaptability of the code are also examined in light of the role as a numerical test-bed.

Steffen, Christopher J., Jr.↗

Learning the structure of wind: A data-driven nonlocal turbulence model for the atmospheric boundary layer

In this work, we develop a novel data-driven approach to modeling the atmospheric boundary layer. This approach leads to a nonlocal, anisotropic synthetic turbulence model which we refer to as the deep rapid distortion (DRD) model. Our approach relies on an operator regression problem that characterizes the best fitting candidate in a general family of nonlocal covariance kernels parameterized in part by a neural network. This family of covariance kernels is expressed in Fourier space and is obtained from approximate solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations at very high Reynolds numbers. Each member of the family incorporates important physical properties such as mass conservation and a realistic energy cascade. The DRD model can be calibrated with noisy data from field experiments. After calibration, the model can be used to generate synthetic turbulent velocity fields. To this end, we provide a new numerical method based on domain decomposition which delivers scalable, memory-efficient turbulence generation with the DRD model as well as others. We demonstrate the robustness of our approach with both filtered and noisy data coming from the 1968 Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory Kansas experiments. Using these data, we witness exceptional accuracy with the DRD model, especially when compared to the International Electrotechnical Commission standard.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Turbulence modeling

Recent developments at several levels of statistical turbulence modeling applicable to aerodynamics are briefly surveyed. Emphasis is on examples of model improvements for transonic, two-dimensional flows. Experience with the development of these improved models is cited to suggest methods of accelerating the modeling process necessary to keep abreast of the rapid movement of computational fluid dynamics into the computation of complex three-dimensional flows.

Rubesin, Morris W.↗

A turbulence model for iced airfoils and its validation

A turbulence model based on the extension of the algebraic eddy viscosity formulation of Cebeci and Smith developed for two dimensional flows over smooth and rough surfaces is described for iced airfoils and validated for computed ice shapes obtained for a range of total temperatures varying from 28 to -15 F. The validation is made with an interactive boundary layer method which uses a panel method to compute the inviscid flow and an inverse finite difference boundary layer method to compute the viscous flow. The interaction between inviscid and viscous flows is established by the use of the Hilbert integral. The calculated drag coefficients compare well with recent experimental data taken at the NASA-Lewis Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) and show that, in general, the drag increase due to ice accretion can be predicted well and efficiently.

Shin, Jaiwon↗

A turbulence model for iced airfoils and its validation

A turbulence model based on the extension of the algebraic eddy viscosity formulation of Cebeci and Smith developed for two-dimensional flows over smooth and rough surfaces is described for iced airfoils and validated for computed ice shapes obtained for a range of total temperatures varying from 28 to -15 F. The validation is made with an interactive boundary layer method which uses a panel method to compute the inviscid flow and an inverse finite difference boundary layer method to compute the viscous flow. The interaction between inviscid and viscous flows is established by the use of the Hilbert integral. The calculated drag coefficients compare well with recent experimental data taken at the NASA-Lewis Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) and show that, in general, the drag increase due to ice accretion can be predicted well and efficiently.

Shin, Jaiwon↗

A review of various flow-solid interaction analysis methods with emphasis on recent advances in turbulence models and flow analysis methods

A review on various experimental, analytical, and numerical methods for the flow-solid interaction of a nest of cylinders subjected to cross flow is presented in this paper. In order to assess the possibility of initiating a development of major numerical analysis method for flow-solid interaction of a nest of cylinders in cross flows, a review on various turbulence models, numerical methods such as the finite element method and the finite difference method, and the available numerical methods for flow-solid interactions have been included in this paper. A multiple-time-scale turbulence model for complex turbulent flows and a finite element method for high Reynolds number flows have been introduced herein for the same reason.

Kim, S.-W.↗

A study of turbulence models for prediction of transitional boundary layers

Calculations of two-dimensional transitional boundary layer flows in zero and favorable pressure gradients are presented. The major focus is on the evaluation of current turbulence models to predict quantities such as skin-friction and heat transfer coefficients. Three turbulence models using the mixing length concept along with a one-equation model are considered. These models are tested by comparison with the experiments of Blair and Werle, who investigated flows over a heated flat plate for various levels of free-stream turbulence.

Abid, Ridha↗

Two-equation turbulence modeling of oscillatory boundary layers

Three time-dependent turbulent boundary layer problems are treated using a k-epsilon turbulence model. The flows are characterized by large pressure gradients and either reversing or rotating wall shear stress vectors. Two existing and one new near-wall formulations are tested. The computed results are compared with data from Direct Numerical Simulations of the same flows. In one case previously unpublished DNS-data are given. It is found that the k-epsilon model can provide good predictions for the wall shear as well as profiles of velocities, turbulent kinetic energy, and dissipation. The crucial part is the choice of near-wall terms.

Justesen, Peter↗

NPARC Code Upgraded with Two-Equation Turbulence Models

The National PARC (NPARC) Alliance was established by the NASA Lewis Research Center and the Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center to provide the U.S. aeropropulsion community with a reliable Navier-Stokes code for simulating the nonrotating components of propulsion systems. Recent improvements to the turbulence model capabilities of the NPARC code have significantly improved its capability to simulate turbulent flows. Specifically, the Chien k-epsilon and Wilcox k-omega turbulence models were implemented at Lewis. Lewis researchers installed the Chien k-epsilon model into NPARC to improve the code's ability to calculate turbulent flows with attached wall boundary layers and free shear layers. Calculations with NPARC have demonstrated that the Chien k-epsilon model provides more accurate calculations than those obtained with algebraic models previously available in the code. Grid sensitivity investigations have shown that computational grids must be packed against the solid walls such that the first point off of the wall is placed in the laminar sublayer. In addition, matching the boundary layer and momentum thicknesses entering mixing regions is necessary for an accurate prediction of the free shear-layer growth.

Source record↗

A rapid-distortion-theory turbulence model for developed unsteady wall-bounded flow

A new approach to turbulence modeling in unsteady developed flows has recently been introduced, based on results of rapid distortion theory. The approach involves closing the k-epsilon equations for the organized unsteady component of the flow by modeling local unsteadiness as a rapid distortion of the local structure of the parent turbulent flow, in terms of an effective strain parameter alpha(sub eff). In this paper, the phase-conditioned equations of motion are developed to accommodate a new unsteady dissipation model and local effects of the slow-relaxation time scale of the parent flow. The model equations are tested against measurements of the response of a fully-developed turbulent pipe flow to the superposition of sinusoidal streamwise oscillation. Good agreement is found between measurements and predictions over a wide range of frequencies of unsteadiness, indicating that this approach may be particularly well suited to modeling of unsteady turbulent flows which are perturbations about a well characterized mean.

Brereton, G. J.↗

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows

The following grant objectives were delineated in the proposal to NASA: to offer course work in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and related areas to enable mechanical engineering students at North Carolina A&T State University (N.C. A&TSU) to pursue M.S. studies in CFD, and to enable students and faculty to engage in research in high speed compressible flows. Since no CFD-related activity existed at N.C. A&TSU before the start of the NASA grant period, training of students in the CFD area and initiation of research in high speed compressible flows were proposed as the key aspects of the project. To that end, graduate level courses in CFD, boundary layer theory, and fluid dynamics were offered. This effort included initiating a CFD course for graduate students. Also, research work was performed on studying compressibility effects in high speed flows. Specifically, a modified compressible dissipation model, which included a fourth order turbulent Mach number term, was incorporated into the SPARK code and verified for the air-air mixing layer case. The results obtained for this case were compared with a wide variety of experimental data to discern the trends in the mixing layer growth rates with varying convective Mach numbers. Comparison of the predictions of the study with the results of several analytical models was also carried out. The details of the research study are described in the publication entitled 'Compressibility Effects in Modeling Turbulent High Speed Mixing Layers,' which is attached to this report.

Chandra, Suresh↗

Near-wall variable-Prandtl-number turbulence model for compressible flows

A near-wall four-equation turbulence model is developed for the calculation of high-speed compressible turbulent boundary layers. The four equations used are the k-epsilon equations and the theta(exp 2)-epsilon (sub theta) equations. These equations are used to define the turbulent diffusivities for momentum and heat fluxes, thus allowing the assumption of dynamic similarity between momentum and heat transport to be relaxed. The Favre-averaged equations of motion are solved in conjunction with the four transport equations. Calculations are compared with measurements and with another model's predictions where the assumption of the constant turbulent Prandtl number is invoked. Compressible flat plate turbulent boundary layers with both adiabatic and constant temperature wall boundary conditions are considered. Results for the range of low Mach numbers and temperature ratios investigated are essentially the same as those obtained using an identical near-wall k-epsilon model. In general, there are significant improvements in the predictions of mean flow properties at high Mach numbers.

Sommer, T. P.↗

Turbulence modeling needs of commercial CFD codes: Complex flows in the aerospace and automotive industries

This viewgraph presentation discusses the following: STAR-CD computational features; STAR-CD turbulence models; common features of industrial complex flows; industry-specific CFD development requirements; applications and experiences of industrial complex flows, including flow in rotating disc cavities, diffusion hole film cooling, internal blade cooling, and external car aerodynamics; and conclusions on turbulence modeling needs.

Befrui, Bizhan A.↗