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At least 379 records · Page 21

An investigation into the numerical prediction of boundary layer transition using the K.Y. Chien turbulence model

Assessments were made of the simulation capabilities of transition models developed at the University of Minnesota, as applied to the Launder-Sharma and Lam-Bremhorst two-equation turbulence models, and at The University of Texas at Austin, as applied to the K. Y. Chien two-equation turbulence model. A major shortcoming in the use of the basic K. Y. Chien turbulence model for low-Reynolds number flows was identified. The problem with the Chien model involved premature start of natural transition and a damped response as the simulation moved to fully turbulent flow at the end of transition. This is in contrast to the other two-equation turbulence models at comparable freestream turbulence conditions. The damping of the transition response of the Chien turbulence model leads to an inaccurate estimate of the start and end of transition for freestream turbulence levels greater than 1.0 percent and to difficulty in calculating proper model constants for the transition model.

Stephens, Craig A.↗

In-flight boundary-layer transition measurements on a swept wing

Flight tests were conducted at three different altitudes to detect transition on a smoothed test region of a swept-wing business jet wing using surface hot-film sensors and sublimating chemicals. Strong influence of sweep angle on transition location was observed when the aircraft was flown at some sideslip conditions to simulate changes in effective wing sweep angle. No effects of engine noise on transition were measured when different engine power settings were used. Flight instrumentation and ground data analysis techniques are described. Correlation was obtained between the hot-film sensor signals and sublimating chemicals for transition detection. Crossflow vortices were observed for one flight condition. Results of analyzed data for various flight-test conditions are presented.

Ahmed, Anwar↗

The effect of compliant walls on secondary instabilities in boundary layer transition

The effect of compliant walls on the stage of transition where three-dimensional secondary instabilities (SIs) are excited is studied. A theory developed by Herbert (1983) to represent SIs for two-dimensional primary instabilities is extended to allow for oblique waves. The effects of the variations in primary amplitude, spanwise, wavenumber, and Reynolds number on the SIs are examined. As in the rigid-wall case, the subharmonic mode of SI dominates for low-amplitude disturbances over compliant walls. Both isotropic and nonisotropic compliant walls lead to reduced SI growth rates as compared to the rigid-wall results. Calculations show that, for high frequencies, the nonisotropic wall suppresses the amplification of the SIs, while for the isotropic wall SIs grow with an explosive rate similar to the rigid-wall results. For lower frequencies, both types of compliant wall suppress the amplification of SIs.

Joslin, Ronald D.↗

Subharmonic Route to Boundary-Layer Transition - Critical Layer Nonlinearity

The linear and nonlinear dynamics of a triad of initially linear stability waves comprising a single plane wave at fundamental frequency and two symmetric oblique waves with half the frequency and streamwise wave number of the plane wave are presented. Analysis is performed for the initial nonlinear development of the waves where the order of the oblique waves' amplitude is equal to or less than that of the plane wave. Results show that the fundamental basically follows the linear theory, while the subharmonic follows an exponential-of-an-exponential growth.

Mankbadi, Reda R.↗

A quiet-flow Ludwieg tube for experimental study of high speed boundary layer transition

A new low Reynolds number quiet-flow Ludwieg tube facility, now under construction, is briefly described, and its advantages outlined. The facility is characterized by good optical access and may be particularly useful for the development of optical instrumentation for the generation and measurement of instability waves. Initial research plans also include work on hot-wire instrumentation, wave generation techniques, roughness and receptivity effects, and suction distribution effects.

Schneider, Steven P.↗

Hot film wall shear instrumentation for compressible boundary layer transition research

Experimental and analytical studies of hot film wall shear instrumentation were performed. A new hot film anemometer was developed and tested. The anemometer performance was not quite as good as that of commercial anemometers, but the cost was much less and testing flexibility was improved. The main focus of the project was a parametric study of the effect of sensor size and substrate material on the performance of hot film surface sensors. Both electronic and shock-induced flow experiments were performed to determine the sensitivity and frequency response of the sensors. The results are presented in Michael Moen's M.S. thesis, which is appended. A condensed form of the results was also submitted for publication.

Schneider, Steven P.↗

Effects of free-stream turbulence on boundary-layer transition

Traditional methods for the prediction of the transition location rest either on lump parameters like the momentum thickness or on N factors obtained from the approximate linear stability characteristics of the flow. These methods account for the effects of the disturbance environment by empirical correlation with observed transition locations. We have developed a highly efficient and accurate approach to stability analysis and transition simulation based on parabolized stability equations (PSE). Here we present a first application of this approach to realistic problems of practical interest. We study the effects of the turbulence level on transition and heat transfer in flows over flat plates, curved plates, and the stator blade of a gas-turbine model. We discuss the formulation of an input model for the PSE analysis in the light of the present knowledge of receptivity mechanisms. The input model is used to compute transition locations for various configurations and flow conditions. The results compare favorably with experimental data.

Herbert, TH.↗