Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “lattice boltzmann method”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

NASA/ONERA Collaboration on Small Hovering Rotor Broadband Noise Prediction using Lattice-Boltzmann and Structured Navier-Stokes Solvers

This work compares two lattice-Boltzmann method solvers, PowerFLOW and ProLB, and two structured Navier-Stokes solvers, OVERFLOW2 and FAST, used by NASA and ONERA, respectively, for the broadband noise prediction of an ideally twisted rotor as part of Implementing Arrangement number FR-0685-0, ‘Comparing Computational Fluid Dynamics Solvers for Broadband Noise Prediction.’ Predicted results are evaluated against measured data from both smooth and rough blade sets acquired in the Small Hover Anechoic Chamber at the NASA Langley Research Center. Aerodynamic thrust predictions are seen to agree more favorably with the rough-blade measurements, whereas torque predictions agree better with the smooth-blade measurements. A tonal noise comparison shows better agreement to the measured data with the two structured Navier-Stokes solvers than with the two lattice-Boltzmann solvers, which is thought to be caused by the different geometric discretization associated with each solver paradigm. Broadband noise comparisons show that both lattice-Boltzmann method solvers trend well with the smooth-blade measurements, with the exception of an overprediction by ProLB between 4 kHz and 15 kHz. OVERFLOW2 is seen to capture the measured nondeterministic tonal content between 3 kHz and 8 kHz on a narrowband spectral basis and FAST agrees well with the rough blades on a one-third octave band basis.

Christopher S. Thurman↗

A Comparative Study Using CFD to Predict Iced Airfoil Aerodynamics

WIND, Fluent, and PowerFLOW were used to predict the lift, drag, and moment coefficients of a business-jet airfoil with a rime ice (rough and jagged, but no protruding horns) and with a glaze ice (rough and jagged end has two or more protruding horns) for angles of attack from zero to and after stall. The performance of the following turbulence models were examined by comparing predictions with available experimental data. Spalart-Allmaras (S-A), RNG k-epsilon, shear-stress transport, v(sup 2)-f, and a differential Reynolds stress model with and without non-equilibrium wall functions. For steady RANS simulations, WIND and FLUENT were found to give nearly identical results if the grid about the iced airfoil, the turbulence model, and the order of accuracy of the numerical schemes used are the same. The use of wall functions was found to be acceptable for the rime ice configuration and the flow conditions examined. For rime ice, the S-A model was found to predict accurately until near the stall angle. For glaze ice, the CFD predictions were much less satisfactory for all turbulence models and codes investigated because of the large separated region produced by the horns. For unsteady RANS, WIND and FLUENT did not provide better results. PowerFLOW, based on the Lattice Boltzmann method, gave excellent results for the lift coefficient at and near stall for the rime ice, where the flow is inherently unsteady.

Chi, x.↗

Thermal Vibrational Convection in a Two-phase Stratified Liquid

The response of a two-phase stratified liquid system subject to a vibration parallel to an imposed temperature gradient is analyzed using a hybrid thermal lattice Boltzmann method (HTLB). The vibrations considered correspond to sinusoidal translations of a rigid cavity at a fixed frequency. The layers are thermally and mechanically coupled. Interaction between gravity-induced and vibration-induced thermal convection is studied. The ability of applied vibration to enhance the flow, heat transfer and interface distortion is investigated. For the range of conditions investigated, the results reveal that the effect of vibrational Rayleigh number and vibrational frequency on a two-phase stratified fluid system is much different than that for a single-phase fluid system. Comparisons of the response of a two-phase stratified fluid system with a single-phase fluid system are discussed.

Chang, Qingming↗

Direct Numerical Simulation of an Airfoil with Sand Grain Roughness on the Leading Edge

As part of a computational study of acoustic radiation due to the passage of turbulent boundary layer eddies over the trailing edge of an airfoil, the Lattice-Boltzmann method is used to perform direct numerical simulations of compressible, low Mach number flow past an NACA 0012 airfoil at zero degrees angle of attack. The chord Reynolds number of approximately 0.657 million models one of the test conditions from a previous experiment by Brooks, Pope, and Marcolini at NASA Langley Research Center. A unique feature of these simulations involves direct modeling of the sand grain roughness on the leading edge, which was used in the abovementioned experiment to trip the boundary layer to fully turbulent flow. This report documents the findings of preliminary, proof-of-concept simulations based on a narrow spanwise domain and a limited time interval. The inclusion of fully-resolved leading edge roughness in this simulation leads to significantly earlier transition than that in the absence of any roughness. The simulation data is used in conjunction with both the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings acoustic analogy and a semi-analytical model by Roger and Moreau to predict the farfield noise. The encouraging agreement between the computed noise spectrum and that measured in the experiment indicates the potential payoff from a full-fledged numerical investigation based on the current approach. Analysis of the computed data is used to identify the required improvements to the preliminary simulations described herein.

Ribeiro, Andre F. P.↗

A Comparative Study of Simulated and Measured Main Landing Gear Noise for Large Civil Transports

Computational results for the NASA 26%-scale model of a six-wheel main landing gear with and without a toboggan-shaped noise reduction fairing are presented. The model is a high-fidelity representation of a Boeing 777-200 aircraft main landing gear. A lattice Boltzmann method was used to simulate the unsteady flow around the model in isolation. The computations were conducted in free-air at a Mach number of 0.17, matching a recent acoustic test of the same gear model in the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel in its anechoic configuration. Results obtained on a set of grids with successively finer spatial resolution demonstrate the challenge in resolving/capturing the flow field for the smaller components of the gear and their associated interactions, and the resulting effects on the high-frequency segment of the farfield noise spectrum. Farfield noise spectra were computed based on an FWH integral approach, with simulated pressures on the model solid surfaces or flow-field data extracted on a set of permeable surfaces enclosing the model as input. Comparison of these spectra with microphone array measurements obtained in the tunnel indicated that, for the present complex gear model, the permeable surfaces provide a more accurate representation of farfield noise, suggesting that volumetric effects are not negligible. The present study also demonstrates that good agreement between simulated and measured farfield noise can be achieved if consistent post-processing is applied to both physical and synthetic pressure records at array microphone locations.

Konig, Benedikt↗

Numerical Simulation of a Simplified High-Lift CRM Configuration Embedded with Fluidic Actuators

Numerical simulations have been performed for a simplified high-lift configuration that is representative of a modern transport airplane. This configuration includes a leading-edge slat, fuselage, wing, nacelle-pylon and a simple hinged flap. The suction surface of the flap is embedded with multiple rows of fluidic actuators to reduce the extent of reversed flow regions and improve the aerodynamic performance of the configuration with flap in a deployed state. In the current paper, a Lattice Boltzmann Method based high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, known as PowerFLOW® is used to simulate the entire flow field associated with this configuration, including the flow inside the actuators. A fully compressible version of the PowerFLOW® code that has been validated for high speed flows is used for the present simulations to accurately represent the transonic flow regimes that are encountered in the flow field generated by the actuators operating at higher mass flow (momentum) rates required to mitigate reverse flow regions on the suction surfaces of the main wing and the flap. The numerical solutions predict the expected trends in aerodynamic forces as the actuation levels are increased. More efficient active flow control (AFC) systems and actuator arrangement for lift augmentation are emerging based on the parametric studies conducted here prior to wind tunnel tests. These numerical solutions will be compared with experimental data, once such data becomes available.

Vatsa, Veer N.↗

CFD and Experimental Data Comparisons for Conventional and AFC-Enabled CRM High-Lift Configurations

Numerical simulations have been performed for a simplified high-lift (SHL) version of the Common Research Model (CRM) configuration, where the Fowler flaps of a representative conventional high-lift (CRM-HL) configuration are replaced by a set of simple hinged flaps. These hinged flaps are equipped with integrated modular active flow control (AFC) cartridges on the suction surface of the flap shoulder, and the resulting geometry is known as the CRM-SHL-AFC configuration. The main objective is to make use of AFC devices on the CRM-SHL-Configuration to produce the aerodynamic performance (lift) comparable to that of the CRM-HL configuration over a large angle of attack range encompassing maximum lift conditions. For comparison purposes, computations are also per-formed for the CRM-HL configuration. In the current paper, PowerFLOWR©, a CFD code based on the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), is used to simulate the entire flow field associated with the CRM-SHL-AFC configuration equipped with a combination of two different types of AFC actuators. The transonic version of the PowerFLOWR© code that has been validated for high-speed flows is used to simulate the flow field generated by the high-momentum actuators required to mitigate reversed flow regions on the suction surfaces of the main wing and the flap. This study is focused on the AFC systems and actuator arrangements that had emerged based on the parametric studies conducted previously at the nominal landing condition. Comparisons of the numerical solutions for lift and surface pressures are presented here with the experimental data, demonstrating the usefulness of CFD for predicting the flow field and lift characteristics of AFC-enabled high-lift configurations over a broad angle of attack range. The numerical solutions predict the expected trends in aerodynamic forces with angle of attack variation.

Veer N Vatsa↗

Physics Informed Broadband Noise Source Identification and Prediction of an Ideally Twisted Rotor

This work aims at a physics based approach for the prediction and isolation of broadband noise emanating from different regions of an ideally twisted rotor. A preliminary prediction was conducted using a lattice-Boltzmann method–very-large-eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) implemented within the software suite, PowerFLOW. Regions of particular interest to broadband noise were investigated by calculating one-third octave sound pressure levels of the unsteady pressure fluctuations acting on the rotor. These regions were then isolated and treated as individual Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) surfaces for three run conditions at a much finer spatial resolution to delineate the broadband noise from these separate regions from the total acoustic spectra. These predictions were then compared to experimentally acquired data as well as to semi-empirical prediction methods to highlight the acoustic contributions of various broadband noise generation mechanisms as well as to exemplify and explain shortcomings in the semi-empirical methodology.

Christopher S Thurman↗

Computational Prediction of Broadband Noise from a Representative Unmanned Aerial System Rotor

This work details the application of a lattice-Boltzmann method–very-large-eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) employed by the software suite, PowerFLOW. This LBM-VLES simulation predicted the aeroacoustic noise emanating from a representative, small unmanned aircraft system rotor, namely, the DJI-9450 in a hover condition. Predicted total aerodynamic loading as well as 2D aerodynamic loading along discrete spanwise sections of a rotor blade were compared to lower fidelity predictions and experimental results acquired in the Structural Acoustic Loads and Transmission anechoic chamber facility at the NASA Langley Research Center. The total acoustic spectra were decomposed into tonal and broadband components, which showed that broadband noise was a dominant contributor above 1 kHz for this rotor. These data were then compared to experimentally acquired data, showing good agreement up to approximately 11 kHz. Above 11 kHz, however, a grid sensitivity study showed dependency of the highest resolvable frequency on the spatial resolution of the computational domain, explaining the roll off in predicted data. Individual broadband noise sources were further investigated by calculating one-third octave sound pressure levels of the unsteady pressure fluctuations acting on the rotor, providing evidence that blade self-noise was the prominent noise source. Using these results, blade wake interaction noise was seen to be negligible for this particular rotor, which was further validated by calculating blade vortex miss distances and comparing to theory.

Christopher S. Thurman↗

Physics-Informed Broadband Noise Source Identification and Prediction of an Ideally Twisted Rotor

This work aims to provide a physics-based approach for the prediction and isolation of broadband noise emanating from different regions of an ideally twisted rotor. A preliminary prediction was conducted using a lattice-Boltzmann method–very-large-eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) implemented within the software suite, PowerFLOW. Regions of particular interest to broadband noise were investigated by calculating one-third octave sound pressure levels of the unsteady pressure fluctuations acting on the rotor. These regions were then treated as individual Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) surfaces and simulated for three run conditions at a finer spatial resolution to identify the broadband noise from these separate regions and isolate it from the total acoustic spectra. These predictions were then compared to experimentally acquired data and to semiempirical prediction methods to highlight the acoustic contributions of various broadband noise generation mechanisms as well as to exemplify and explain shortcomings in the semiempirical methodology.

Christopher S Thurman↗

HLPW-4/GMGW-3: Wall-Modeled LES and Lattice-Boltzmann Technology Focus Group Workshop Summary

A summary of the nine submissions to the Wall-Modeled LES and Lattice-Boltzmann(WMLESLB) Technical Focus Group (TFG) at the 4th High lift Prediction Workshop is provided. The focus of this TFG was to assess the current capabilities of WMLES and Lattice-Boltzmann methods on a complex high-lift configuration across a wide range of angles of attack. Preliminary analysis of the submitted data suggests that>250𝑀spatial degrees of freedom are needed to accurately predict pitching moments at high angles of attack due to large pressure gradients present on the outboard slat and main element for𝛼 >17◦(corrected for free-air).While some scatter is reported in pitching moments at the low-angles of attack (𝛼 <11◦) - likely caused by differences in flap separation possibly due to low Reynolds number effects - excellent agreement is observed between the submissions near the𝐶𝐿,max state. Objective superiority over steady state RANS can be seen in terms of lack of excess outboard separation; a majority of the good quality WMLES and LB submissions predict wedge-shaped separation patterns consistent with the experimental oil flow. Differences in the onset of stall mechanism in the free-air configuration for𝛼 >20◦is reported with two distinct topologies observed. Topology A is characterized by the onset of corner-flow separation which progressively grows to produce a pitch break in free-air with an angle of attack increase from𝛼=20.55◦to𝛼=21.47◦+𝜖where𝜖is a small perturbation (varying between submissions and likely to be within±0.3◦). Topology Bis characterized by boundary layer weakness emanating from the inboard side of the wing-pylon juncture substantially larger than any weakness in the wing-body juncture (due to corner-flow);submissions in this category do not show any tendency for occurrence of a pitch break for the free-air configuration within the vicinity of𝛼=21.47◦. The in-tunnel simulations submitted by3 participants using different discretizations, grids and closure models show excellent agreement with the experiment in terms of a) integrated loads, b) surface flow-topology, and c) mechanism for the onset of inboard stall. Further evidence is provided to demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative superiority of all 3 WMLES submissions over a single steady state RANS submission to the workshop.

TTT↗

Application of Lattice Boltzmann and Navier-Stokes Methods to NASA's Wall Mounted Hump

Lattice Boltzmann (LB) based Large Eddy Simulation (LES), Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) as well as hybrid RANS/LES methods within the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) solver framework are applied to NASA's wall-mounted hump. Computational results are compared with experiments performed by Greenblatt et al. A detailed comparison between the accuracy and resolution requirements of the two approaches for turbulence resolving simulations, as well as the suitability of different grid paradigms (body-fitted curvilinear and block structured Cartesian) are presented. This test case is part of NASA's Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences (RCA) sub-project which addresses the technical challenge of predicting flow separation and reattachment accurately. Improvements in predictive accuracy by as much as 90% are demonstrated using LB as well as hybrid RANS/LES approaches compared to state-of-the-art steady state RANS simulations.

Lattice Boltzmann↗

Comparative Study of Active Flow Control Strategies for Lift Enhancement of a Simplified High-Lift Configuration

Numerical simulations have been performed for a simplified high-lift (SHL) version of the Common Research Model (CRM) configuration, where the Fowler flaps of the conventional high-lift (CRM-HL) configuration are replaced by a set of simple hinged flaps. These hinged flaps are equipped with integrated modular active flow control (AFC) cartridges on the suction surface, and the resulting geometry is known as the CRM-SHL-AFC configuration. The main objective is to make use of AFC devices on the CRM-SHL-AFC configuration to recover the aerodynamic performance (lift) of the CRM-HL configuration. In the current paper, a Lattice Boltzmann method-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, known as PowerFLOWQ® is used to simulate the entire flow field associated with the CRM-SHL-AFC configuration equipped with several different types of AFC devices. The transonic version of the PowerFLOWQ® code that has been validated for high speed flows is used to accurately simulate the flow field generated by the high-momentum actuators required to mitigate reversed flow regions on the suction surfaces of the main wing and the flap. The numerical solutions predict the expected trends in aerodynamic forces as the actuation levels are increased. More efficient AFC systems and actuator arrangements emerged based on the parametric studies performed prior to a Fall 2018 wind tunnel test. Preliminary comparisons of the numerical solutions for lift and surface pressures are presented here with the experimental data, demonstrating the usefulness of CFD for predicting the flow field and lift characteristics of AFC-enabled high-lift configurations.

Vatsa, Veer N.↗

Micro Blowing Simulations Using a Coupled Finite-Volume Lattice-Boltzman n L ES Approach

Three dimensional large-eddy simulations (LES) of single and multiple jet-in-cross-flow (JICF) are conducted using the 19-bit Lattice Boltzmann Equation (LBE) method coupled with a conventional finite-volume (FV) scheme. In this coupled LBE-FV approach, the LBE-LES is employed to simulate the flow inside the jet nozzles while the FV-LES is used to simulate the crossflow. The key application area is the use of this technique is to study the micro blowing technique (MBT) for drag control similar to the recent experiments at NASA/GRC. It is necessary to resolve the flow inside the micro-blowing and suction holes with high resolution without being restricted by the FV time-step restriction. The coupled LBE-FV-LES approach achieves this objectives in a computationally efficient manner. A single jet in crossflow case is used for validation purpose and the results are compared with experimental data and full LBE-LES simulation. Good agreement with data is obtained. Subsequently, MBT over a flat plate with porosity of 25% is simulated using 9 jets in a compressible cross flow at a Mach number of 0.4. It is shown that MBT suppresses the near-wall vortices and reduces the skin friction by up to 50 percent. This is in good agreement with experimental data.

Menon, S.↗

Lattice Boltzmann model for simulation of magnetohydrodynamics

A numerical method, based on a discrete Boltzmann equation, is presented for solving the equations of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The algorithm provides advantages similar to the cellular automaton method in that it is local and easily adapted to parallel computing environments. Because of much lower noise levels and less stringent requirements on lattice size, the method appears to be more competitive with traditional solution methods. Examples show that the model accurately reproduces both linear and nonlinear MHD phenomena.

Chen, Shiyi↗

Creating a Simple Single Computational Approach to Modeling Rarefied and Continuum Flow About Aerospace Vehicles

We proposed to create a single computational code incorporating methods that can model both rarefied and continuum flow to enable the efficient simulation of flow about space craft and high altitude hypersonic aerospace vehicles. The code was to use a single grid structure that permits a smooth transition between the continuum and rarefied portions of the flow. Developing an appropriate computational boundary between the two regions represented a major challenge. The primary approach chosen involves coupling a four-speed Lattice Boltzmann model for the continuum flow with the DSMC method in the rarefied regime. We also explored the possibility of using a standard finite difference Navier Stokes solver for the continuum flow. With the resulting code we will ultimately investigate three-dimensional plume impingement effects, a subject of critical importance to NASA and related to the work of Drs. Forrest Lumpkin, Steve Fitzgerald and Jay Le Beau at Johnson Space Center. Below is a brief background on the project and a summary of the results as of the end of the grant.

Goldstein, David B.↗

Wall-Modeled Lattice Boltzmann and Navier-Stokes Approaches for Separated Flows

Lattice Boltzmann (LB) and hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/large eddy simulation (RANS/LES) methods within the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) solver framework are applied to NASA's Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences (RCA) standard test cases for separated flows. A detailed comparison between the performance and accuracy of the two emerging numerical methodologies for turbulence resolving simulations, i.e. the LB and hybrid RANS/LES methods will be presented. This contribution addresses the RCA technical challenge to identify and down-select critical turbulence, transition, and numerical method technologies for 40% reduction in predictive error for standard turbulence separated flow test cases. Results for the 2D NASA wall-mounted hump and the axisymmetric transonic bump including time-averaged pressure coefficient, skin friction, and velocity pro les, as well as resolved and modeled Reynolds stresses for both numerical approaches will be presented and differences between LB and hybrid RANS/LES will be discussed.

Lattice Boltzmann↗

HLPW-4: Wall-Modeled LES and Lattice-Boltzmann Technology Focus Group Workshop Summary

A summary of the nine submissions to the Wall-Modeled LES and Lattice-Boltzmann(WMLESLB) Technical Focus Group (TFG) at the 4th High lift Prediction Workshop is provided. The focus of this TFG was to assess the current capabilities of WMLES and LB methods on a complex high-lift configuration across a wide range of angles-of-attack. Analysis of the submitted data suggests that>250𝑀spatial degrees of freedom are needed to accurately predict pitching moments at high angles-of-attack due to large pressure gradients present on the outboard slat and main element for 𝛼 >17◦(corrected for free-air). While some scatter is reported in pitching moment coefficient at the low-angles of attack (𝛼 <11◦) - excellent agreement is observed between submissions near the 𝐶𝐿,max state. Objective superiority of WMLES methods over RANS can be seen in terms of lack of excess outboard separation; a majority of the WMLES and LB submissions predict wedge-shaped separation patterns consistent with the experimental oil flow. The in-tunnel simulations show excellent agreement with the experiment in terms of a) integrated loads, b) surface flow-topology, and c) mechanism for the onset of inboard stall. Further evidence is provided to demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative superiority of the WMLES submissions over RANS.

TTT↗