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A new technique of rotation shearing interferometry has been developed, which is optimized to reduce systematic problems when imaging through turbulence.
A simple turbulence model that will be applicable to propulsion flows having both wall bounded and unbounded regions was developed and installed within the PARC Navier-Stokes code by linking two existing algebraic turbulence models. The first is the Modified Mixing Length (MML) model which is optimized for wall bounded flows. The second is the Thomas model, the standard algebraic turbulence model in PARC which has been used to calculate both bounded and unbounded turbulent flows but was optimized for the latter. This paper discusses both models and the method employed to link them into one model (referred to as the MMLT model). The PARC code with the MMLT model was applied to two dimensional turbulent flows over a flat plate and over a backward facing step to validate and optimize the model and to compare its predictions to those obtained with the three turbulence models already available in PARC.
A simple turbulence model that will be applicable to propulsion flows having both wall bounded and unbounded regions was developed and installed within the PARC Navier-Stokes code by linking two existing algebraic turbulence models. The first is the Modified Mixing Length (MML) model which is optimized for wall bounded flows. The second is the Thomas model, the standard algebraic turbulence model in PARC which has been used to calculate both bounded and unbounded turbulent flows but was optimized for the latter. This paper discusses both models and the method employed to link them into one model (referred to as the MMLT model). The PARC code with the MMLT model was applied to two dimensional turbulent flows over a flat plate and over a backward facing step to validate and optimize the model and to compare its predictions to those obtained with the three turbulence models already available in PARC.
Self-consistent modeling of turbulence-driven transport is critical for optimizing confinement in magnetically confined fusion plasmas, such as tokamaks and stellarators. In particular, capturing the long-term co-evolution of turbulence, flow, and background plasma profiles remains computationally challenging. Direct numerical simulation of these multiscale, highly nonlinear processes is often demanding and impractical for real-time control or design optimization. To address this bottleneck, we investigate transformer-based neural operator partial differential equation surrogates for emulating the dynamics of drift-wave turbulence bifurcation mediated by zonal flows, using the modified Hasegawa–Wakatani (MHW) model as a prototypical system. We find that the finetuned neural operator model has excellent performance in capturing the multi-spatiotemporal-scales of MHW turbulence bifurcation and is robust to testing on rare and out-of-distribution dynamics. Specifically, we demonstrate that a single unified model accurately predicts both quasi-steady-state turbulence and a wide range of dynamical transition processes, such as nonlinear saturation, spontaneous suppression of turbulence, and the emergence of macroscopic zonal flows, over time horizons vastly exceeding the local turbulence correlation time. This computationally efficient approach establishes a strong foundation for fast, AI-based modeling of complex, multiscale phenomena in magnetized fusion plasmas.
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New turbulence modeling options recently implemented for the 3D version of Proteus, a Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes code, are described. The implemented turbulence models include: the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model, the Baldwin-Barth one-equation model, the Chien k-epsilon model, and the Launder-Sharma k-epsilon model. Features of this turbulence modeling package include: well documented and easy to use turbulence modeling options, uniform integration of turbulence models from different classes, automatic initialization of turbulence variables for calculations using one- or two-equation turbulence models, multiple solid boundaries treatment, and fully vectorized L-U solver for one- and two-equation models. Good agreements are obtained between the computational results and experimental data. Sensitivity of the compressible turbulent solutions with the method of y(+) computation, the turbulent length scale correction, and some compressibility corrections are examined in detail. Test cases show that the highly optimized one- and two-equation turbulence models can be used in routine 3D Navier-Stokes computations with no significant increase in CPU time as compared with the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model.
Optimizing the performance of magnetic confinement fusion devices is critical to achieving an attractive fusion reactor design. Negative triangularity (NT) scenarios have been shown to achieve excellent levels of energy confinement, while avoiding edge localized modes. Modeling turbulent transport in the edge and SOL is key in understanding the impact of NT on turbulence and extrapolating the results to future devices and regimes. Previous gyrokinetic turbulence studies have reported beneficial effects of NT across a broad range of parameters. However, most simulations have focused on the inner plasma region, neglecting the impact of NT on the outermost edge. In this work, we investigate the effect of NT in edge and scrape-off layer simulations, including the magnetic X-point and separatrix. For the first time, we employ a multi-fidelity approach, combining global, non-linear gyrokinetic simulations with drift-reduced fluid simulations, to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying physics at play. First-principles simulations using the GENE-X code demonstrate that in comparable NT and PT geometries, similar profiles are achieved, while the turbulent heat flux is reduced by more than 50% in NT. Comparisons with results from the drift-reduced fluid turbulence code GRILLIX suggest that the turbulence is driven by trapped electron modes. The parallel heat flux width on the divertor targets is reduced in NT, primarily due to a lower spreading factor S.
A CFD analyses is presented for a set of baseline and noise suppression mixed flow nozzles with and without a pylon installation. The five model configurations are as follows; a baselinecore/fan dual-stream nozzle with an external plug, a chevron mixer nozzle with a peak on the symmetry plane with external plug, both of the above nozzles with an installed bifurcatingpylon and lastly a clocked chevron mixer nozzle such that a trough is aligned with the center of the pylon. The fluid flow is simulated by solving the asymptotically steady, compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using an implicit, up-wind, flux-difference splitting finite volume scheme and standard two equation k-epsilon turbulence model with a linear stress representation. All computations are performed using the multiblock, parallel, structuredcode PAB3D. Results indicate that the clocked chevron with pylon case achieves the most optimal levels of average and peak turbulence kinetic energy and vorticity and therefore is expected to be the quietest of the five configurations tested. Further study is required to refine expressions which are indicative of noise and mate these with rigorous noise prediction models.
In the pursuit of the goal of commercial fusion as an abundant and safe source of energy, the stellarator is a leading concept with compelling attractiveness and demonstrated performance. A new mid-size stellarator is needed to retire risks and innovate towards a high performance, economically attractive, stellarator Fusion Pilot Plant. In this presentation we, as a community of US researchers from Universities, National Laboratories, and Private Industry, involved in studying the stellarator concept, lay out the programmatic and technical motivation for a new and modern mid-size stellarator research facility. A new mid-scale stellarator is needed to realize the potential predicted by a solid body of theory and simulation along with advances in computational tools for optimization and non-linear turbulence modeling. Notably, it is possible to combine the advantages of the stellarator (steady state, no current drive, no disruptions) with the good confinement regularly achieved in tokamaks. The top priorities for experimental work, and the motivation for a mid-scale stellarator experiment are: turbulence control, non-resonant divertor, MHD stability at large beta, confinement of fast particles, and coil simplification. A new mid-size quasi-symmetric stellarator, built as a user facility, would complement existing research at Wendelstein 7-X and LHD and strongly augment private industry. It would provide a program of innovative research, concept validation, theoretical advancement, and workforce development. Growing support and interest for stellarators by the fusion community and private industry affirms this rationale.
Optimal gain settings for atmospheric turbulence in 407 Jimsphere wind profiles
Optimal gain settings for atmospheric turbulence in 407 atmosphere wind profiles
The study applies mathematical methods of control theory to the problem of control of fluid flow with the long-range objective of developing effective methods for the control of turbulent flows. Model problems are employed through the formalism and language of control theory to present the procedure of how to cast the problem of controlling turbulence into a problem in optimal control theory. Methods of calculus of variations through the adjoint state and gradient algorithms are used to present a suboptimal control and feedback procedure for stationary and time-dependent problems. Two types of controls are investigated: distributed and boundary controls. Several cases of both controls are numerically simulated to investigate the performances of the control algorithm. Most cases considered show significant reductions of the costs to be minimized. The dependence of the control algorithm on the time-descretization method is discussed.
Liquid fuel nuclear reactors offer innovative possibilities in terms of nuclear reactor designs and passive safety systems. Molten Salts Reactors (MSRs) with a fast spectrum are a particular type of these reactors using liquid fuel. MSFRs often involve large open cavities in their core in which the liquid fuel circulates at a high speed to transport the heat generated by the nuclear reactions into the heat exchangers. This high-speed flow yields a turbulent field with large Reynolds numbers in the reactor core. Since the nuclear power, the neutron precursor’s transport and the thermal exchanges are strongly coupled in the MSFR’s core cavity, having accurate turbulent models for the liquid fuel flow is necessary to avoid introducing significant errors in the numerical simulations of these reactors. Nonetheless, high-accuracy simulations of the turbulent flow field in the reactor cavity of these reactors are usually prohibitively expensive in terms of computational resources, especially when performing multiphysics numerical calculations. Therefore, in this work, we propose a novel method using a modified genetic algorithm to optimize the calculation of the Reynolds Shear Stress Tensor (RST) used for turbulence modeling. The proposed optimization methodology is particularly suitable for advanced liquid fuel reactors such as the MSFRs since it allows the development of high-accuracy but still low-computational-cost turbulence models for the liquid fuel. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach by developing high accuracy Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models (averaged flow error less than 5%) for a low and a large aspect ratio in a Backward-Facing Step (BFS) section particularly challenging for RANS models. The newly developed turbulence models better capture the flow field after the boundary layer tipping, over the extent of the recirculation bubble, and near the boundary layer reattachment region in both BFS configurations. The main reason for these improvements is that the developed models better capture the flow field turbulent anisotropy in the bulk region of the BFS. Then, we illustrate the interest in using this turbulence modeling approach for the case of an MSFR by quantifying the impact of the turbulence modeling on the reactor key parameters.
New turbulence modeling options recently implemented for the 3-D version of Proteus, a Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes code, are described. The implemented turbulence models include: the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model, the Baldwin-Barth one-equation model, the Chien k-epsilon model, and the Launder-Sharma k-epsilon model. Features of this turbulence modeling package include: well documented and easy to use turbulence modeling options, uniform integration of turbulence models from different classes, automatic initialization of turbulence variables for calculations using one- or two-equation turbulence models, multiple solid boundaries treatment, and fully vectorized L-U solver for one- and two-equation models. Validation test cases include the incompressible and compressible flat plate turbulent boundary layers, turbulent developing S-duct flow, and glancing shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction. Good agreement is obtained between the computational results and experimental data. Sensitivity of the compressible turbulent solutions with the method of y(sup +) computation, the turbulent length scale correction, and some compressibility corrections are examined in detail. The test cases show that the highly optimized one-and two-equation turbulence models can be used in routine 3-D Navier-Stokes computations with no significant increase in CPU time as compared with the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model.
Aerodynamic shape optimization of swept Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) wing design plays an important role for the development of future energy-efficient commercial transport aircraft. Lack of predictive laminar-to-turbulent transition modeling capabilities is still limiting the extent to which design can rely on computational tools, while making costly wind tunnel and flight tests a necessity. Prediction of transition on practical 3D wing geometries using the e (sup N) method coupled with laminar boundary layer and linear stability codes or local statistical correlation CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) models such as the gamma - Re (sub theta) Langtry-Menter model have proven challenging, whereas transitional hybrid RANS-LES solvers have shown encouraging but still mitigated results.
The eighth Summer Program of the Center for Turbulence Research took place in the four-week period, July 2 to July 27, 2000. This was the largest CTR Summer Program to date, involving forty participants from the U. S. and nine other countries. Twenty-five Stanford and NASA-Ames staff members facilitated and contributed to most of the Summer projects. Several new topical groups were formed, which reflects a broadening of CTR's interests from conventional studies of turbulence to the use of turbulence analysis tools in applications such as optimization, nanofluidics, biology, astrophysical and geophysical flows. CTR's main role continues to be in providing a forum for the study of turbulence and other multi-scale phenomena for engineering analysis. The impact of the summer program in facilitating intellectual exchange among leading researchers in turbulence and closely related flow physics fields is clearly reflected in the proceedings.
Abstract Understanding turbulent premixed flames is essential to predict and optimize advanced combustion strategies, but critical capability gaps exist for collecting and validating measurements such as turbulent flame speed. Here, we evaluate synthetic jets as a new, promising turbulence generation device for constant-volume combustion chambers, quantitatively assessing turbulence intensity and spatial uniformity in a hypothetical 4,189-cm 3 vessel for various premixture conditions. Graphic Abstract
Experimental conditions obtained on the DIII-D tokamak in the ITER Similar Shape (ISS) have been compared extensively with nonlinear gyrokinetic simulation using the CGYRO code [Candy et al., J. Comput. Phys. 324, 73–93 (2016)] with comparisons spanning ion and electron heat fluxes, electron and impurity particle transport, and turbulent fluctuation levels and characteristics. Bayesian optimization techniques [Rodriguez-Fernandez et al., Nucl. Fusion 62(7), 076036 (2022)], combined with nonlinear gyrokinetics, have been used to obtain simultaneously Qi, Qe, and Γe flux-matched profiles that are found to be in good agreement with experimental profile measurements. Synthetic diagnostics were used to compare measured beam emission spectroscopy and correlation electron cyclotron emission turbulent fluctuations with nonlinear simulation. Although some disagreements exist, nonlinear simulations are found to be in generally good agreement with measured fluctuation levels, spectral shapes, and measured radial trends in low-k δne/ne and δTe/Te. Low (Li and C) and mid-Z (Ca) impurity transport was also compared with these flux-matched simulations. Fully stripped, low-Z impurities are well reproduced by the gyrokinetic modeling while clear disagreement exists in comparisons with mid-Z impurities. Nonlinear gyrokinetic investigation into the Z dependence of impurity transport in the ISS conditions is also performed, demonstrating clear trends of impurity diffusion with impurity Z (both D∝Z and D∝1/Z) that vary with the radial location studied. These trends are shown to result from the local dominance of ion temperature gradient or ∇n driven trapped electron mode turbulence and may contribute to the disagreement between simulation and experiment in mid-Z impurity transport. The results of this work represent one of the most complete validation studies of the gyrokinetic model performed to date and provide an example of new capabilities for predicting performance in future fusion devices.