Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Turbulence simulation”

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 775 records · Page 43

Investigation of high-pressure turbulent jets using direct numerical simulation

Direct numerical simulations of free round jets at a Reynolds number (Re D ) of 5000, based on jet diameter (D) and jet-exit bulk velocity (U e ), are performed to study jet turbulence characteristics at supercritical pressures. The jet consists of nitrogen (N 2 ) that is injected into N 2 at the same temperature. To understand turbulent mixing, a passive scalar is transported with the flow at unity Schmidt number. Two sets of inflow conditions that model jets issuing from either a smooth contraction nozzle (laminar inflow) or a long pipe nozzle (turbulent inflow) are considered. By changing one parameter at a time, the simulations examine the jet-flow sensitivity to the thermodynamic condition (characterized in terms of the compressibility factor ($Z$) and the normalized isothermal compressibility), inflow condition and ambient pressure (p ∞ ) spanning perfect- to real-gas conditions. The inflow affects flow statistics in the near field (containing the potential core closure and the transition region) as well as further downstream (containing fully developed flow with self-similar statistics) at both atmospheric and supercritical p ∞ . The sensitivity to inflow is larger in the transition region, where the laminar-inflow jets exhibit dominant coherent structures that produce higher mean strain rates and higher turbulent kinetic energy than in turbulent-inflow jets. Decreasing $Z$ at a fixed supercritical p ∞ enhances pressure and density fluctuations (non-dimensionalized by local mean pressure and density, respectively), but the effect on velocity fluctuations depends also on the local flow dynamics. When $Z$ is reduced, large mean strain rates in the transition region of laminar-inflow jets significantly enhance velocity fluctuations (non-dimensionalized by local mean velocity) and scalar mixing, whereas the effects are minimal in jets from turbulent inflow.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Multi-dimensional high order essentially non-oscillatory finite difference methods in generalized coordinates

The nonlinear stability of compact schemes for shock calculations is investigated. In recent years compact schemes were used in various numerical simulations including direct numerical simulation of turbulence. However to apply them to problems containing shocks, one has to resolve the problem of spurious numerical oscillation and nonlinear instability. A framework to apply nonlinear limiting to a local mean is introduced. The resulting scheme can be proven total variation (1D) or maximum norm (multi D) stable and produces nice numerical results in the test cases. The result is summarized in the preprint entitled 'Nonlinearly Stable Compact Schemes for Shock Calculations', which was submitted to SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis. Research was continued on issues related to two and three dimensional essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) schemes. The main research topics include: parallel implementation of ENO schemes on Connection Machines; boundary conditions; shock interaction with hydrogen bubbles, a preparation for the full combustion simulation; and direct numerical simulation of compressible sheared turbulence.

Shu, Chi-Wang↗

Investigations of correlation and coherence in turbulence from a large-eddy simulation

Abstract. Microscale flow descriptions are often given in terms of mean quantities, turbulent kinetic energy, and/or stresses. Those metrics, while valuable, give limited information about turbulent eddies and coherent turbulent structures. This work investigates the structure of an atmospheric boundary layer using coherence and correlation in space and time with a range of separation distances. We calculate spatial correlations over entire planes of velocity fluctuations, from which we can evaluate the correlation along different directions at different spacings. Similarly, coherence of the three velocity components over separations in the three directions is also investigated. We apply these analyses to a mesoscale–microscale coupled scenario with time-varying conditions and examine nuances in spatial correlations that are often overlooked. Through these analyses and results, this work highlights important differences observed in terms of coherence when comparing large-eddy simulation data to simpler models and suggests ways to improve these simpler models. We note that such differences are important for disciplines like wind energy structural dynamic analysis, in which blade loading and fatigue depend strongly on the structure of the turbulence. We emphasize the additional wealth of data that can be provided by typical atmospheric boundary layer large-eddy simulation when correlation and coherence analysis is included, and we also state the limitations of large-eddy simulation data, which inherently truncate the smaller scales of turbulence.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Turbulent thermal convection in a differentially rotating channel

Differentially rotating disks of gases and solids occur in several astrophysical systems, in particular in the inner parts of protostellar nebulae, of which our own solar system is thought to be a relic. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) study localized turbulence in circumstances approximating those found in accretion disks using previously existing expertise in performing direct numerical simulation of turbulent, incompressible channel flows with low Reynolds numbers; (2) determine the limitations of such calculations; and (3) extend the type of numerical simulation (e.g., to include density and stratification and compressibility effects and to accommodate higher Reynolds numbers with sub-grid scale modeling) so that the relevant physical effects are realistically captured.

Cabot, W.↗

Effect of a guide field on the turbulence like properties of magnetic reconnection

The effect of an external guide field on the turbulence-like properties of magnetic reconnection is studied using five different 2.5D kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. The magnetic energy spectrum is found to exhibit a slope of approximately −5/3 in the inertial range, independent of the guide field. On the contrary, the electric field spectrum in the inertial range steepens more with the guide field and approaches a slope of −5/3. In addition, spectral analysis of the different terms of the generalized Ohm's law is performed and found to be consistent with PIC simulations of turbulence and MMS observations. Finally, the guide field effect on the energy transfer behavior is examined using the von Kármán–Howarth (vKH) equation based on incompressible Hall-MHD. The general characteristics of the vKH equation with constant rate of energy transfer in the inertial range are consistent in all the simulations. This suggests that the qualitative behavior of energy spectrum and energy transfer in reconnection are similar to that of turbulence, indicating that reconnection fundamentally involves an energy cascade.

Physics↗

Numerical simulation of a three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer

The effects of transverse strain on an initially two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer are studied in a direct numerical simulation of a planar channel flow with impulsively started transverse pressure gradient. Consistent with experiments in three-dimensional boundary layers, the simulation shows a drop in the Reynolds shear stress with increasing transverse strain. Also, the directions of the Reynolds shear stress vector and the mean velocity gradient vector were found to differ. In addition, the simulation shows a drop in the turbulent kinetic energy. The terms in the budget of the Reynolds stress were computed. In general, the individual terms do not show a significant change. However, an increase in dissipation rate rather than reduction in total production appears to be responsible for the drop in turbulent kinetic energy.

Moin, P.↗

Direct numerical simulation of a three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer

The effects of transverse strain on an initially two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer are studied in a direct numerical simulation of a planar channel flow with impulsively started transverse pressure gradient. Consistent with experiments in three-dimensional boundary layers, the simulation shows a decrease in the Reynolds shear stress with increasing transverse strain. Also, the directions of the Reynolds shear stress vector and the mean velocity gradient vector were found to differ. In addition, the simulation shows a drop in the turbulent kinetic energy. Terms in the Reynolds stress transport equations were computed. The balances indicate that the decrease in turbulent kinetic energy is a result of a decrease in turbulence production, along with an increase in turbulent dissipation. Intuitive reasoning and current turbulence models would predict an increase in kinetic energy along with increases in production and dissipation rates as a result of increased mean-flow strain rate. Later in the evolution of the flow, both turbulence production and dissipation increase.

Moin, P.↗

Turbulence-induced bias in time-averaged laser absorption tomography of correlated concentration and temperature fields with a first-order correction

The influence of correlated scalar fluctuations on time-averaged laser absorption tomography measurements of temperature and species in a piloted turbulent premixed flame was examined using a coupled spectroscopic and fluid-dynamic analysis. To understand bias associated with turbulence, spatio-temporally resolved temperature and species mole fraction profiles predicted by large eddy simulations (LES) were used to synthetically generate time-resolved line-of-sight absorption measurements at short time scales (microsecond) to reflect the unsteady nature of a canonical jet burner across various transverse measurement planes. Inversion methods were employed on the time-averaged line-of-sight data to produce radially-resolved temperature and mole fraction profiles, analogous to those produced by laser absorption tomography performed on a time-averaged axisymmetric flowfield. It is shown that bias in the measurements compared to true time-averaged scalar fields is a function primarily of temperature dependence in absorptivity and non-zero correlation between temperature and species concentration scalars. Finally, a first-order correction to tomography measurements is proposed to account for the bias based on estimated correlations and the known spectroscopic parameters of the probed absorption transitions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Evolution and dynamics of shear-layer structures in near-wall turbulence

Near-wall flow structures in turbulent shear flows are analyzed, with particular emphasis on the study of their space-time evolution and connection to turbulence production. The results are obtained from investigation of a database generated from direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow at a Reynolds number of 180 based on half-channel width and friction velocity. New light is shed on problems associated with conditional sampling techniques, together with methods to improve these techniques, for use both in physical and numerical experiments. The results clearly indicate that earlier conceptual models of the processes associated with near-wall turbulence production, based on flow visualization and probe measurements need to be modified. For instance, the development of asymmetry in the spanwise direction seems to be an important element in the evolution of near-wall structures in general, and for shear layers in particular. The inhibition of spanwise motion of the near-wall streaky pattern may be the primary reason for the ability of small longitudinal riblets to reduce turbulent skin friction below the value for a flat surface.

Johansson, Arne V.↗

Advanced Space Shuttle simulation model

A non-recursive model (based on von Karman spectra) for atmospheric turbulence along the flight path of the shuttle orbiter was developed. It provides for simulation of instantaneous vertical and horizontal gusts at the vehicle center-of-gravity, and also for simulation of instantaneous gusts gradients. Based on this model the time series for both gusts and gust gradients were generated and stored on a series of magnetic tapes, entitled Shuttle Simulation Turbulence Tapes (SSTT). The time series are designed to represent atmospheric turbulence from ground level to an altitude of 120,000 meters. A description of the turbulence generation procedure is provided. The results of validating the simulated turbulence are described. Conclusions and recommendations are presented. One-dimensional von Karman spectra are tabulated, while a discussion of the minimum frequency simulated is provided. The results of spectral and statistical analyses of the SSTT are presented.

Tatom, F. B.↗

Machine learning accelerated turbulence modeling of transient flashing jets

We report modeling the sudden depressurization of superheated liquids through nozzles is a challenge because the pressure drop causes rapid flash boiling of the liquid. The resulting jet usually demonstrates a wide range of structures, including ligaments and droplets, due to both mechanical and thermodynamic effects. As the simulation comprises increasingly numerous phenomena, the computational cost begins to increase. One way to moderate the additional cost is to use machine learning surrogacy for specific elements of the calculation. This study presents a machine learning-assisted computational fluid dynamics approach for simulating the atomization of flashing liquids accounting for distinct stages, from primary atomization to secondary breakup to small droplets using the Σ - Y model coupled with the homogeneous relaxation model. Notably, the models for thermodynamic non-equilibrium (HRM) and Σ - Y are coupled, for the first time, with a deep neural network that simulates the turbulence quantities, which are then used in the prediction of superheated liquid jet atomization. The data-driven component of this method is used for turbulence modeling, avoiding the solution of the two-equation turbulence model typically used for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations for these problems. Both the accuracy and speed of the hybrid approach are evaluated, demonstrating adequate accuracy and at least 25% faster computational fluid dynamics simulations than the traditional approach. This acceleration suggests that perhaps additional components of the calculation could be replaced for even further benefit. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Comparison of OVERFLOW Computational and Experimental Results for a Blunt Mars Entry Vehicle Concept during Supersonic Retropropulsion

Simulations of unsteady supersonic retropropulsion (SRP) flow over a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) blunt-body vehicle were performed using the OVERFLOW Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. High-fidelity flow solver techniques, including Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) turbulence modeling and Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR), were employed to obtain improved realism in CFD predictions. Simulation conditions and geometry configurations were designed to match specific runs in the Descent System Study (DSS) wind tunnel testing (WTT) campaign. The accuracy of each simulation is assessed by direct comparison to experimental data. Comparisons of computational predictions of the SRP flowfield and bow shock shape to experimental schlieren imaging show reasonable prediction of mean shock shape, with approximately 10% similarity in shock standoff distance for selected conditions, as well as similarity in local, time-varying fluctuations of the shock-plume interaction. Comparisons of discrete measurements of surface pressure coefficient (Cp) indicate CFD accuracy within approximately 10% of the experiment across the majority of the model heatshield, with larger variations at some of the heatshield edge locations with stronger flow unsteadiness. Simulated unsteadiness of these chaotic flows, which were highly dynamic and multi-modal, was shown to be within 20-40% of experimentally-measured pressure standard deviation (SD) for the majority of the sampled locations.

Supersonic Retropropulsion↗

Comparison of OVERFLOW Computational and Experimental Results for a Blunt Mars Entry Vehicle Concept during Supersonic Retropropulsion

Simulations of unsteady supersonic retropropulsion (SRP) flow over a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) blunt-body vehicle were performed using the OVERFLOW Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. High-fidelity flow solver techniques, including Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) turbulence modeling and Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR), were employed to obtain improved realism in CFD predictions. Simulation conditions and geometry configurations were designed to match specific runs in the Descent System Study (DSS) wind tunnel testing (WTT) campaign. The accuracy of each simulation is assessed by direct comparison to experimental data. Comparisons of computational predictions of the SRP flowfield and bow shock shape to experimental schlieren imaging show reasonable prediction of mean shock shape, with approximately 10% similarity in shock standoff distance for selected conditions, as well as similarity in local, time-varying fluctuations of the shock-plume interaction. Comparisons of discrete measurements of surface pressure coefficient (Cp) indicate CFD accuracy within approximately 10% of the experiment across the majority of the model heatshield, with larger variations at some of the heatshield edge locations with stronger flow unsteadiness. Simulated unsteadiness of these chaotic flows, which were highly dynamic and multi-modal, was shown to be within 20-40% of experimentally-measured pressure standard deviation (SD) for the majority of the sampled locations.

Supersonic Retropropulsion↗

Three-Dimensional Navier-Stokes Method with Two-Equation Turbulence Models for Efficient Numerical Simulation of Hypersonic Flows

A new computational efficient 3-D compressible Reynolds-averaged implicit Navier-Stokes method with advanced two equation turbulence models for high speed flows is presented. All convective terms are modeled using an entropy satisfying higher-order Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) scheme based on implicit upwind flux-difference split approximations and arithmetic averaging procedure of primitive variables. This method combines the best features of data management and computational efficiency of space marching procedures with the generality and stability of time dependent Navier-Stokes procedures to solve flows with mixed supersonic and subsonic zones, including streamwise separated flows. Its robust stability derives from a combination of conservative implicit upwind flux-difference splitting with Roe's property U to provide accurate shock capturing capability that non-conservative schemes do not guarantee, alternating symmetric Gauss-Seidel 'method of planes' relaxation procedure coupled with a three-dimensional two-factor diagonal-dominant approximate factorization scheme, TVD flux limiters of higher-order flux differences satisfying realizability, and well-posed characteristic-based implicit boundary-point a'pproximations consistent with the local characteristics domain of dependence. The efficiency of the method is highly increased with Newton Raphson acceleration which allows convergence in essentially one forward sweep for supersonic flows. The method is verified by comparing with experiment and other Navier-Stokes methods. Here, results of adiabatic and cooled flat plate flows, compression corner flow, and 3-D hypersonic shock-wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction flows are presented. The robust 3-D method achieves a better computational efficiency of at least one order of magnitude over the CNS Navier-Stokes code. It provides cost-effective aerodynamic predictions in agreement with experiment, and the capability of predicting complex flow structures in complex geometries with good accuracy.

Bardina, J. E.↗

An Improved K-Epsilon Model for Near-Wall Turbulence and Comparison with Direct Numerical Simulation

An improved k-epsilon model for low Reynolds number turbulence near a wall is presented. The near-wall asymptotic behavior of the eddy viscosity and the pressure transport term in the turbulent kinetic energy equation is analyzed. Based on this analysis, a modified eddy viscosity model, having correct near-wall behavior, is suggested, and a model for the pressure transport term in the k-equation is proposed. In addition, a modeled dissipation rate equation is reformulated. Fully developed channel flows were used for model testing. The calculations using various k-epsilon models are compared with direct numerical simulations. The results show that the present k-epsilon model performs well in predicting the behavior of near-wall turbulence. Significant improvement over previous k-epsilon models is obtained.

Shih, T. H.↗

Influence of Blood Rheology and Turbulence Models in the Numerical Simulation of Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a vascular malformation that can be classified according to its location (cerebral, aortic) or shape (saccular, fusiform, and mycotic). Recently, the study of blood flow interaction with aneurysms has gained attention from physicians and engineers. Shear stresses, oscillatory shear index (OSI), gradient oscillatory number (GON), and residence time have been used as variables to describe the hemodynamics as well as the origin and evolution of aneurysms. However, the causes and hemodynamic conditions that promote their growth are still under debate. The present work presents numerical simulations of three types of aneurysms: two aortic and one cerebral. Simulation results showed that the blood rheology is not relevant for aortic aneurysms. However, for the cerebral aneurysm case, blood rheology could play a relevant role in the hemodynamics. The evaluated turbulence models showed equivalent results in both cases. Lastly, a simulation considering the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) showed that this phenomenon is the dominant factor for aneurysm simulation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Turbulent broadening of electron heat-flux width in electromagnetic gyrokinetic simulations of a helical scrape-off layer model

Here, we demonstrate that cross field transport in the scrape-off layer (SOL) can be moderately increased by electromagnetic effects in high-beta regimes, resulting in broadening of the electron heat-flux width on the endplates. This conclusion is taken from full- f electromagnetic gyrokinetic simulations of a helical SOL model that roughly approximates the SOL of the National Spherical Torus Experiment. The simulations have been performed with the Gkeyll code, which recently became the first code to demonstrate the capability to simulate electromagnetic gyrokinetic turbulence on open magnetic field lines with sheath boundary conditions. We scan the source rate and thus β, so that the normalized pressure gradient (the MHD ballooning parameter $α ∝ ∂β/∂r ∝ β/Lρ$) is scanned over an experimentally relevant range, α = 0.3 - 1.5. While there is little change in the pressure gradient scale length L p near the midplane as beta is increased, a 10% increase in cross field transport near the midplane results in an increase in the electron heat-flux width λ q and a 25% reduction of the peak electron heat flux to the endplates.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗