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At least 829 records · Page 46

A turbulent transport model for free-shear flows

An attempt is made to formulate a more accurate and physically plausible diffusion model, which will include the effects of large eddy motion on turbulent transport, by incorporating bulk convection and gradient diffusion. The two-equation model of turbulence thus obtained is used in self-similar form to calculate axisymmetric and plane two-dimensional jets.

Biringen, S.↗

Recalibration of the Shear Stress Transport Model to Improve Calculation of Shock Separated Flows

The Menter Shear Stress Transport (SST) k . turbulence model is one of the most widely used two-equation Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence models for aerodynamic analyses. The model extends Menter s baseline (BSL) model to include a limiter that prevents the calculated turbulent shear stress from exceeding a prescribed fraction of the turbulent kinetic energy via a proportionality constant, a1, set to 0.31. Compared to other turbulence models, the SST model yields superior predictions of mild adverse pressure gradient flows including those with small separations. In shock - boundary layer interaction regions, the SST model produces separations that are too large while the BSL model is on the other extreme, predicting separations that are too small. In this paper, changing a1 to a value near 0.355 is shown to significantly improve predictions of shock separated flows. Several cases are examined computationally and experimental data is also considered to justify raising the value of a1 used for shock separated flows.

Georgiadis, Nicholas J.↗

Computation of Sound Generated by Viscous Flow Over a Circular Cylinder

The Lighthill acoustic analogy approach combined with Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes is used to predict the sound generated by unsteady viscous flow past a circular cylinder assuming a correlation length of 10 cylinder diameters. The two-dimensional unsteady flow field is computed using two Navier-Stokes codes at a low Mach number over a range of Reynolds numbers from 100 to 5 million. Both laminar flow as well as turbulent flow with a variety of eddy viscosity turbulence models are employed. Mean drag and Strouhal number are examined, and trends similar to experiments are observed. Computing the noise within the Reynolds number regime where transition to turbulence occurs near the separation point is problematic: laminar flow exhibits chaotic behavior and turbulent flow exhibits strong dependence on the turbulence model employed. Comparisons of far-field noise with experiment at a Reynolds number of 90,000, therefore, vary significantly, depending on the turbulence model. At a high Reynolds number outside this regime, three different turbulence models yield self-consistent results.

Cox, Jared S.↗

Computation of Vortex Shedding and Radiated Sound for a Circular Cylinder

The Lighthill acoustic analogy approach combined with Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes is used to predict the sound generated by unsteady viscous flow past a circular cylinder assuming a correlation length of ten cylinder diameters. The two- dimensional unsteady ow field is computed using two Navier-Stokes codes at a low Mach number over a range of Reynolds numbers from 100 to 5 million. Both laminar ow as well as turbulent ow with a variety of eddy viscosity turbulence models are employed. Mean drag and Strouhal number are examined, and trends similar to experiments are observed. Computing the noise within the Reynolds number regime where transition to turbulence occurs near the separation point is problematic: laminar flow exhibits chaotic behavior and turbulent ow exhibits strong dependence on the turbulence model employed. Comparisons of far-field noise with experiment at a Reynolds number of 90,000, therefore, vary significantly, depending on the turbulence model. At a high Reynolds number outside this regime, three different turbulence models yield self-consistent results.

Cox, Jared S.↗

Evaluation of joint probability density function models for turbulent nonpremixed combustion with complex chemistry

Two types of mixing sub-models are evaluated in connection with a joint-scalar probability density function method for turbulent nonpremixed combustion. Model calculations are made and compared to simulation results for homogeneously distributed methane-air reaction zones mixing and reacting in decaying turbulence within a two-dimensional enclosed domain. The comparison is arranged to ensure that both the simulation and model calculations a) make use of exactly the same chemical mechanism, b) do not involve non-unity Lewis number transport of species, and c) are free from radiation loss. The modified Curl mixing sub-model was found to provide superior predictive accuracy over the simple relaxation-to-mean submodel in the case studied. Accuracy to within 10-20% was found for global means of major species and temperature; however, nitric oxide prediction accuracy was lower and highly dependent on the choice of mixing sub-model. Both mixing submodels were found to produce non-physical mixing behavior for mixture fractions removed from the immediate reaction zone. A suggestion for a further modified Curl mixing sub-model is made in connection with earlier work done in the field.

Smith, N. S. A.↗

Developments in Computational Modeling of Turbulent Flows

In this paper, we will discuss some recent model developments in two turbulence closure schemes. One is the Reynolds-stress algebraic equation model and the other is the Reynolds-stress transport equation model. Various model constraints required by the rapid distortion theory, the invariant theory and the realizability principle, etc. will be described in the model development.

Shih, Tsan-Hsing↗

Analysis of Extensive Cross-Flow Separation using Higher-Order RANS Closure Models

The turbulent flow fields associated with the incompressible flow over a 6:1 prolate spheroid at high angle of attack, and the supersonic flow over an ogive cylinder are studied. Both these flows are characterized by large separation and vortical flow regions and therefore provide a challenging database for comparison of turbulent closure models. Of interest is the ability to predict the effects of separation and associated vortical motion common to both flows. Two turbulent models are investigated that each represent the class of linear eddy-viscosity models (LEVMs) and explicit algebraic stress models (EASMs). Since the EASM accounts for anisotropic effects, the in- fluence of these effects on flow field predictions can be assessed. The EASM model is shown to both improve the separation location prediction and pressure trough under the secondary vortex on the 6:1 prolate spheroid at high angle of attack and high Reynolds number, and improve the prediction of the separation location on a supersonic ogive cylinder.

Morison, J. H.↗

Analysis of Extensive Cross-Flow Separation using Higher-Order RANS Closure Models

The turbulent flow fields associated with the incompressible flow over a 6:1 prolate spheroid at high angle of attack, and the supersonic flow over an ogive cylinder are studied. Both these flows are characterized by large separation and vortical flow regions and therefore provide a challenging database for comparison of turbulent closure models. Of interest is the ability to predict the effects of separation and associated vortical motion common to both flows. Two turbulent models are investigated that each represent the class of linear eddy-viscosity models (LEVMs) and explicit algebraic stress models (EASMs). Since the EASM accounts for anisotropic effects, the influence of these effects on flow field predictions can be assessed. The EASM model is shown to both improve the separation location prediction and pressure trough under the secondary vortex on the 6:l prolate spheroid at high angle of attack and high Reynolds number, and improve the prediction of the separation location on a supersonic ogive cylinder.

Morrison, J. H.↗

Atmospheric flow over two-dimensional bluff surface obstructions

The phenomenon of atmospheric flow over a two-dimensional surface obstruction, such as a building (modeled as a rectangular block, a fence or a forward-facing step), is analyzed by three methods: (1) an inviscid free streamline approach, (2) a turbulent boundary layer approach using an eddy viscosity turbulence model and a horizontal pressure gradient determined by the inviscid model, and (3) an approach using the full Navier-Stokes equations with three turbulence models; i.e., an eddy viscosity model, a turbulence kinetic-energy model and a two-equation model with an additional transport equation for the turbulence length scale. A comparison of the performance of the different turbulence models is given, indicating that only the two-equation model adequately accounts for the convective character of turbulence. Turbulence flow property predictions obtained from the turbulence kinetic-energy model with prescribed length scale are only insignificantly better than those obtained from the eddy viscosity model. A parametric study includes the effects of the variation of the characteristics parameters of the assumed logarithmic approach velocity profile. For the case of the forward-facing step, it is shown that in the downstream flow region an increase of the surface roughness gives rise to higher turbulence levels in the shear layer originating from the step corner.

Bitte, J.↗

A study of the second and third order closure models of turbulence for prediction of separated shear flows

The hybrid model of the Reynolds-stress turbulence closure is tested for the computation of the flows over a step and disk. Here it is attempted to improve the redistributive action of the turbulence energy among the Reynolds stresses. By evaluating the existing models for the pressure-strain correlation, better coefficients are obtained for the prediction of separating shear flows. Furthermore, the diffusion rate of the Reynolds stresses is reevaluated adopting several algebraic correlations for the triple-velocity products. The models of Cormack et al., Daly-Harlow, Hanjalic-Launder, and Shir were tested for the reattaching shear flows. It was generally observed that all these algebraic models give considerably low values of the triple-velocity products. This is attributed to the fact that none of the algebraic models can take the convective effect of the triple-velocity products into account in the separating shear flows, thus resulting in much lower diffusion rate than Reynolds stresses. In order to improve the evaluation of these quantities correction factors are introduced based on the comparison with some experimental data.

Amano, R. S.↗

Efficiency of a statistical transport model for turbulent particle dispersion

In developing its theory for turbulent dispersion transport, the Litchford and Jeng (1991) statistical transport model for turbulent particle dispersion took a generalized approach in which the perturbing influence of each turbulent eddy on consequent interactions was transported through all subsequent eddies. Nevertheless, examinations of this transport relation shows it to be able to decay rapidly: this implies that additional computational efficiency may be obtained via truncation of unneccessary transport terms. Attention is here given to the criterion for truncation, as well as to expected efficiency gains.

Litchford, Ron J.↗

Modeling gas–shell mixing in ICF with separated reactants

Mixing between fuel and shell materials in ICF implosions can affect implosion dynamics and even prevent ignition. We use data from a series of separated reactant experiments on the National Ignition Facility to calibrate and test the predictive power of gas–shell mix models. Two models are used to estimate fuel–shell mix: a Reynolds-averaged turbulence model and molecular diffusion. Minor uncertainties in capsule manufacture, experimental conditions, and values for mix model parameters produce significant variation in simulation results. Using input/output pairs from 1D simulations, we train Gaussian process surrogate models to predict experimental quantities of interest. The surrogates are used to construct posteriors for mix model parameters by marginalizing over uncertainties in capsule manufacture and experimental conditions. Mix models are calibrated with a subset of experimental data (neutron yields, ion temperature, and bang time) and tested using the remaining data. In general, both the diffusion and turbulence model correctly predict experimental DT and TT neutron yields. Despite having more free parameters, the turbulence model underpredicts ion temperature at high convergence ratio. Furthermore, the simpler diffusion model correctly predicts these temperatures, suggesting nonhydrodynamic gas–shell mix. The computational model consistently overpredicts DD neutron yield, indicating possible shortcomings outside of the mix model.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Investigation of turbulent transport in an axisymmetric sudden expansion

Simultaneous two-component laser velocimeter measurements were made in the incompressible turbulent flowfield following an axisymmetric sudden expansion. Mean velocities, Reynolds stresses, and triple products were measured and are presented at axial positions ranging from x/H = 0.2-14. A balance of the turbulent kinetic energy in the flow was performed. The production, convection, and diffusion of turbulent kinetic energy were computed directly from the experimental data using central differencing. A specially designed correction lens was employed to correct for optical aberrations introduced by the circular tube. This lens system allowed the accurate simultaneous measurement of axial and radial velocities in the test section. The experimental measurements were compared to predictions generated by a code that employed the k-epsilon turbulence model. Agreement was good for mean axial velocities, turbulent kinetic energy, and turbulent shear stresses. However, the modeled turbulent normal stresses where in poor agreement with the measured values. The modeled diffusion of turbulent kinetic energy was underpredicted in the region between the shear layer and the centerline of the flow giving lower values of turbulent kinetic energy downstream of the potential core than measured.

Gould, Richard D.↗

Trailing-edge flows at high Reynolds number

An investigation of trailing-edge flows at high Reynolds number and subsonic Mach numbers is presented. Symmetric and asymmetric trailing-edge flows are studied, each flow having pressure gradient regions upstream of the trailing edge similar to an airfoil. Measurements include model surface pressures, mean velocity, turbulent shear stress, and turbulent kinetic energy profiles in the trailing-edge and near-wake regions. Comparisons of the symmetric data with numerical solutions of boundary layer as well as Navier-Stokes equations employing two different turbulence models show increasing effects on viscous interactions as the Mach number increases. Both turbulence models yielded solutions of the mean flow of comparable quality. The experimental results of the asymmetric case are discussed.

Viswanath, P. R.↗

Modeling of turbulent transport as a volume process

An alternative type of modeling was proposed for the turbulent transport terms in Reynolds-averaged equations. One particular implementation of the model was considered, based on the two-point velocity correlations. The model was found to reproduce the trends but not the magnitude of the nonisotropic behavior of the turbulent transport. Some interesting insights were developed concerning the shape of the contracted two-point correlation volume. This volume is strongly deformed by mean shear from the spherical shape found in unstrained flows. Of particular interest is the finding that the shape is sharply waisted, indicating preferential lines of communication, which should have a direct effect on turbulent transfer and on other processes.

Jennings, Mark J.↗

A compressible Navier-Stokes solver with two-equation and Reynolds stress turbulence closure models

This report outlines the development of a general purpose aerodynamic solver for compressible turbulent flows. Turbulent closure is achieved using either two equation or Reynolds stress transportation equations. The applicable equation set consists of Favre-averaged conservation equations for the mass, momentum and total energy, and transport equations for the turbulent stresses and turbulent dissipation rate. In order to develop a scheme with good shock capturing capabilities, good accuracy and general geometric capabilities, a multi-block cell centered finite volume approach is used. Viscous fluxes are discretized using a finite volume representation of a central difference operator and the source terms are treated as an integral over the control volume. The methodology is validated by testing the algorithm on both two and three dimensional flows. Both the two equation and Reynolds stress models are used on a two dimensional 10 degree compression ramp at Mach 3, and the two equation model is used on the three dimensional flow over a cone at angle of attack at Mach 3.5. With the development of this algorithm, it is now possible to compute complex, compressible high speed flow fields using both two equation and Reynolds stress turbulent closure models, with the capability of eventually evaluating their predictive performance.

Navier-Stoke solver↗

Data-Driven RANS Turbulence Closures for Forced Convection Flow in Reactor Downcomer Geometry

Recent progress in data-driven turbulence modeling has shown its potential to enhance or replace traditional equation-based Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models. Here, this work utilizes invariant neural network (NN) architectures to model Reynolds stresses and turbulent heat fluxes in forced convection flows (when the models can be decoupled). As the considered flow is statistically one dimensional, the invariant NN architecture for the Reynolds stress model reduces to the linear eddy viscosity model. To develop the data-driven models, direct numerical and RANS simulations in vertical planar channel geometry mimicking a part of the reactor downcomer are performed. Different conditions and fluids relevant to advanced reactors (sodium, lead, unitary-Prandtl-number fluid, and molten salt) constitute the training database. The models enabled accurate predictions of velocity and temperature, and compared to the baseline k–τ turbulence model with the simple gradient diffusion hypothesis, do not require tuning of the turbulent Prandtl number. The data-driven framework is implemented in the open-source graphics processing unit–accelerated spectral element solver nekRS and has shown the potential for future developments and consideration of more complex mixed convection flows.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗