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At least 91 records · Page 5

A Reattaching Free Shear Layer in Compressible Turbulent Flow: A Comparison of Numerical and Experimental Results

An investigation of the two-dimensional, free turbulent shear layer reattaching on an inclined surface at Mach 2.92 and at a high Reynolds number is described. The test geometry is specifically designed to isolate the reattachment process of a high-speed separated flow. A numerical solution of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations for the entire flow field, employing a two-equation eddy viscosity turbulence model, is presented. Detailed comparisons of prediction and experiment are made in the free shear layer, at reattachment, and in the developing boundary layer downstream. These comparisons include mean surface quantities as well as mean and fluctuating flow-field quantities. Although the overall features of this complex flow field are predicted, there are several deficiencies in the numerical solution, particularly in the region downstream of reattachment. Modifications of the turbulence model to correct these deficiencies are discussed.

Horstman, C. C.↗

Simulation of Blunt-Fin-Induced Shock-Wave and Turbulent Boundary-Layer Interaction

The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically for supersonic flow over a blunt fin mounted on a flat plate. The fin shock causes the boundary layer to separate. which results in a complicated, three-dimensional shock-wave and boundary-layer interaction. The computed results are in good agreement with the mean static pressure measured on the fin and the flat plate. The main features, such as peak pressure on the fin leading edge and a double peak on the plate. are predicted well. The role of the horseshoe vortex is discussed. This vortex leads to the development of high-speed flow and, hence, low-pressure regions on the fin and the plate. Different thicknesses of the incoming boundary layer have been studied. Varying the thicknesses by an order of magnitude shows that the size of the horseshoe vortex and, therefore, the spatial extent of the interaction are dominated by inviscid flow and only weakly dependent on the Reynolds number. Colored graphics are used to show details of the interaction flow field.

Hung, Ching-Mao↗

The NASA Turbulent Heat Flux (THX) Experiments: Summary and Lessons Learned

The Turbulent Heat Flux (THX) experiments were conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in order to collect measurements of velocities and temperatures for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation of heated flows, with a focus on propulsion system components. The experiments spanned 5 phases; four of which were conducted in the GRC AeroAcoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) using the Small Hot Jet Flow Rig (SHJAR). In addition to making velocity measurements with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), the THX experiments introduced a new Raman-scattering based capability to measure temperatures. Computational studies were also conducted for each of the experimental configurations, in order to provide a baseline of expected CFD results and conduct an assessment of the capability of various CFD approaches for calculating flows where the turbulent transport of heat was important. Two of the collected sets of data were used for American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Propulsion Aerodynamic Workshops (PAWs). The data set from the 5th phase, collected for heated supersonic jets, was also used to construct new validation cases for the NASA Turbulence Model Resource (TMR). This paper provides an overview of the experiments and associated computations for each of the 5 test phases. Key experimental findings are presented. Lessons learned are provided concerning the effect of computational modeling choice on accuracy of predicting turbulent flows where thermal transport is important. Emphasis is placed on comparing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes approaches with large-eddy simulation approaches. The benefits of utilizing a conjugate heat transfer method in conjunction with CFD solver for film cooling is demonstrated.

RANS↗

Improvements to RANS Modeling for Aeroheating Predictions on Blunt Bodies

Accurate predictions of aeroheating are critical for designing thermal protection systems for planetary entry vehicles. For larger vehicles, turbulence in the boundary layer can substantially increase convective heating. This turbulence must be accurately modeled to ensure the thermal protection system is sufficient. The majority of hypersonic turbulence model development and validation focuses on boundary layers developing over flat-plates or sharp cones; these cases are substantially different than the boundary layer that develops over the heatshield of a blunt body traveling at hypersonic speeds. Planetary missions often use blunt body geometries, such as the 70-degree sphere-cone favored by Mars missions or the 45-degree sphere-cone planned for the upcoming DAVINCI mission. Due to smaller vehicle size and the lower velocities in the stagnation region, planetary entry vehicles have relatively low Reynolds numbers. Surface curvature and high enthalpy gradients create additional challenges. These difficulties must be addressed to obtain high accuracy needed for the ambitious planetary missions in the upcoming decade. This work focuses on both assessing and improving Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models for blunt-body geometries typical of planetary entry vehicles, with a focus on one-equation and two-equation formulations.

Mars2020↗

Towards stabilization of pressurized oxy-coal diffusion flames

Designing an effective burner is vital for the development of pressurized oxy-fuel combustion technologies. Turbulent jet diffusion burners are adopted for the pressurized oxy-combustor in this research and a bluff-body is employed to create a recirculation zone to stabilize the flame in pressurized oxy-combustor. The objective of this numerical work is to perform a systematic analysis of the characteristics of this pressurized non-premixed flame. Specifically, a 15-bar POFC combustor of power 100 kWth is modeled employing the Ansys FLUENT commercial platform, using Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) modeling. The present computational work focuses on identifying the aerothermodynamic features of the isothermal and reacting flow with a disk-shape bluff-body. Results show that fuel-oxidizer stream momentum ratio has great impacts on the temperature profile of the down-fired, co-axial, pressurized oxy-coal, diffusion flame. Parametric study of the width of the burner tip identifies an optimal range for this pressurized burner.

Li, Lei↗

A PANSONIC Navier-Stokes solver

A finite-difference formulation of the full Navier-Stokes equations which demonstrates a capability to economically solve two-dimensional problems has been developed. The basic algorithm was derived from the full, Reynolds-averaged, conservative, Navier-Stokes equations expressed in curvilinear coordinates. Eddy viscosity was determined by the Baldwin and Lomax algebraic turbulence model. This non-iterative, second-order accurate, implicit, numerical algorithm is based on the approximate factorization finite-difference scheme of Beam and Warming. Results indicate a facility for solving subsonic, transonic, and supersonic (hence PANSONIC) flows about arbitrary airfoils for a wide range of Reynolds numbers, Mach numbers, and angles of attack. Current computations demonstrate that vectorized implementations of this algorithm can solve steady-state, two-dimensional problems in five to ten minutes of computer time.

Cooper, G. K.↗

Computation of separated transonic turbulent flows

The two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved using MacCormack's second-order-accurate explicit finite difference method to simulate the separated transonic turbulent flow field over an airfoil. Four different algebraic eddy viscosity models are tested for viability to achieve turbulence closure for the class of flows considered. These models range from an unmodified boundary-layer mixing-length model to a relaxation model incorporating special considerations for the separation bubble region. Results of this study indicate the necessity for special attention to the separated flow region and suggest limits of applicability of algebraic turbulence models to these separated flow fields.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

Transient phenomena of shock-induced turbulent separation for a spikebody and stalling airfoil at transonic and supersonic speeds

The time-dependent, compressible, Reynolds-averaged, full Navier-Stokes equations are applied to solve an axisymmetric flow around a forward-facing stepbody (spikebody) at supersonic speeds and a stalling airfoil at transonic speeds. Important transient and unsteady phenomena, not yet well understood, are examined, and significant new findings of the present solution to the phenomena are discussed. The phenomena described in detail are as follows: The evolution of the shock wave pressure built up by the impact of the pressure waves, one from the trailing edge; the separation of the flow as influenced by the shock wave; the location of the reversed flow, the separation point, and the reattachment point; and the transient (or unsteady) phenomena of the flow pulsation, oscillation, and stalling of the body and airfoil wake flow. The numerical results show that the transient flow instability is caused by a supersonic jet induced in the separation bubble by the shock-bifurcation (lambda shock) mechanism between the separation shock and the reflected shock. Pulsation and stall phenomena are caused by a sudden increase in the leading-edge pressure due to the jet and the separation bubble interacting along the stagnation point flow.

Yoshikawa, K. K.↗

A vectorized solution for incompressible flow

An algorithm is developed to obtain solutions to the unsteady Reynolds-averaged incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in general curvilinear coordinates on a vector processor. The governing equations are in nonconservative form with the velocity and pressure as dependent variables. Two momentum equations and the Poisson equation for pressure form a set of three governing equations for three flow field unknowns: u, v, and p. The governing equations and boundary conditions are expressed in terms of boundary-conforming curvilinear coordinates, and a checkerboard SOR iteration is used to solve the governing equations. Several possible sequences for a checkerboard SOR iteration are investigated for finding the best overall convergence rate. The efficiency and capability of the present algorithm was assessed using the example of an 18 percent thick NACA 66(3)018 airfoil at zero degree angle of attack for chord Reynolds number range 1000-40,000.

Patel, N. R.↗

A comparison between implicit and hybrid methods for the calculation of steady and unsteady inlet flows

Numerical simulation of steady and unsteady transonic diffuser flows using two different computer codes are discussed and compared with experimental data. The codes solve the Reynolds-averaged, compressible, Navier-Stokes equations using various turbulence models. One of the codes has been applied extensively to diffuser flows and uses the hybrid method of MacCormack. This code is relatively inefficient numerically. The second code, which was developed more recently, is fully implicit and is relatively efficient numerically. Simulations of steady flows using the implicit code are shown to be in good agreement with simulations using the hybrid code. Both simulations are in good agreement with experimental results. Simulations of unsteady flows using the two codes are in good qualitative agreement with each other, although the quantitative agreement is not as good as in the steady flow cases. The implicit code is shown to be eight times faster than the hybrid code for unsteady flow calculations and up to 32 times faster for steady flow calculations. Results of calculations using alternative turbulence models are also discussed.

Coakley, T. J.↗

Some physical and numerical aspects of computing the effects of viscosity on fluid flow

Some physical, analytical, and computational aspects of viscous flow are examined with reference to examples of computed flows. The discussion of the physical aspects covers the development of important scales used to reference flow phenomena in laminar and turbulent shear layers; the usefulness of the concepts of circulation and vorticity; and some relatively large-scale organized structures that have recently been identified in transitional and fully developed turbulent flows. Among the analytical aspects discussed are a compact presentation of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, the Reynolds-averaged form of these equations, and a simplified description of some forms of turbulent models. Finally, results of a simulation of the onset of transition, direct turbulence simulations, and large-eddy simulations are given.

Lomax, H.↗

Impact of turbulence modeling on numerical accuracy and efficiency of compressible flow simulations

Discussed is the numerical implementation of turbulence models used in viscous compressible flow simulations and their performance described with respect to numerical accuracy, efficiency and stability. The basic approach utilizes the Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes equations in which the Reynolds stresses and heat fluxes are mathematically modeled by suitable turbulence models. The turbulence models investigated include zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models. The flow fields investigated include theoretical and supersonic flows about two-dimensional and axisymmetric bodies. Discussions concerning the numerical implementation of models include differencing procedures and boundary conditions used to assume numerical stability and accuracy. Numerical performance is also evaluated by comparing computations with experimental results.

Coakley, Thomas J.↗

Effect of turbulence models on criticality conditions in swirling flows

The critical state of vortex cores downstream of vortex breakdown has been studied. Base vortical flows were computed using the Reynolds-averaged, axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations. Standard K - epsilon, RNG and second-order Reynolds stress models were employed. Results indicate that the return to supercriticality is highly dependent on the turbulence model. The K - epsilon model predicted a rapid return of the vortex to supercritical conditions, the location of which showed little sensitivity to changes in the swirl ratio. The Reynolds stress model predicted that the vortex remains subcritical to the end of the domain for each of the swirl ratios employed, and provided results in qualitative agreement with experimental work. The RNG model produced intermediate results, with a downstream movement in the critical location with increasing swirl. Calculations for which area reductions were introduced at the exit in a subcritical flow were also performed using the Reynolds stress model. The structure of the resulting recirculation zone was altered significantly. However, when area reductions were employed within supercritical flows as predicted using the two-equation models, no significant influence on the recirculation zone was noted.

Gatski, Thomas B.↗

Thermodynamic evaluation of transonic compressor rotors using the finite volume approach

A method was developed which calculates two-dimensional, transonic, viscous flow in ducts. The finite volume, time marching formulation is used to obtain steady flow solutions of the Reynolds-averaged form of the Navier Stokes equations. The entire calculation is performed in the physical domain. The method is currently limited to the calculation of attached flows. The features of the current method can be summarized as follows. Control volumes are chosen so that smoothing of flow properties, typically required for stability, is now needed. Different time steps are used in the different governing equations to improve the convergence speed of the viscous calculations. A new pressure interpolation scheme is introduced which improves the shock capturing ability of the method. A multi-volume method for pressure changes in the boundary layer allows calculations which use very long and thin control volumes. A special discretization technique is also used to stabilize these calculations. A special formulation of the energy equation is used to provide improved transient behavior of solutions which use the full energy equation. The method is then compared with a wide variety of test cases. The freestream Mach numbers range from 0.075 to 2.8 in the calculations. Transonic viscous flow in a converging diverging nozzle is calculated with the method; the Mach number upstream of the shock is approximately 1.25. The agreement between the calculated and measured shock strength and total pressure losses is good. Essentially incompressible turbulent boundary layer flow in a adverse pressure gradient is calculated and the computed distribution of mean velocity and shear stress are in good agreement with the measurements. At the other end of the Mach number range, a flat plate turbulent boundary layer with a freestream Mach number of 2.8 is calculated using the full energy equation; the computed total temperature distribution and recovery factor agree well with the measurements when a variable Prandtl number is used through the boundary layer.

Nicholson, S.↗

Unsteady separated boundary layer in a transonic diffuser flow with self-excited oscillations

A numerical investigation of two-dimensional unsteady boundary layer in a transonic diffuser flow with self-excited oscillations and strong flow separation by solving the compressible, Reynolds-averaged, thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations with two-equations turbulence model is described. Three different meshes with constant streamwise mesh distribution and varying vertical mesh distribution were used. Results obtained indicate that a refinement of mesh studied here has minimal effect on the mean boundary layer flow but significantly increases the amplitude of oscillation of all flow variables. Comparisons of unsteady wall pressure, velocity profile, terminal shock, and separation pocket among computations and with experiment are presented.

Hsieh, T.↗

Explicit finite-volume time-marching calculations of total temperature distributions in turbulent flow

A method was developed which calculates two-dimensional, transonic, viscous flow in ducts. The finite volume, time-marching formulation is used to obtain steady flow solutions of the Reynolds-averaged form of the Navier-Stokes equations. The entire calculation is performed in the physical domain. This paper investigates the introduction of a new formulation of the energy equation which gives improved transient behavior as the calculation converges. The effect of variable Prandtl number on the temperature distribution through the boundary layer is also investigated. A turbulent boundary layer in an adverse pressure gradient (M = 0.55) is used to demonstrate the improved transient temperature distribution obtained when the new formulation of the energy equation is used. A flat plate turbulent boundary layer with a supersonic free-stream Mach number of 2.8 is used to investigate the effect of Prandtl number on the distribution of properties through the boundary layer. The computed total temperature distribution and recovery factor agree well with the measurements when a variable Prandtl number is used through the boundary layer.

Nicholson, Stephen↗

Laser velocimetry applied to transonic flow past airfoils

Measurements of turbulent Reynolds stresses and mean velocities obtained by laser velocimetry for cases of transonic shock-induced separation are presented. These results are compared with solutions of the Reynolds-averaged time-independent compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Insufficient agreement between predictions and experimental results is attributed to the deficiencies in the models for the turbulence Reynolds stresses.

Johnson, D. A.↗

Transonic airfoil calculations including wind tunnel wall-interference effects

The results of Reynolds-averaged time-dependent inviscid and turbulent compressible Navier-Stokes computations using the implicit finite-difference approach of Steger (1978), modified by incorporating a pressure boundary condition, (PBC) to account for wall interference are compared with experimental data on a NACA 64A010 airfoil (Johnson and Bachalo, 1980) in graphs and briefly characterized. The computational approach is the same as that used by King and Johnson (1980), but a 137 x 50 mesh is used instead of a 97 x 35 mesh, and special care is taken in resolving the nose, shock, and trailing-edge regions. Imposition of PBC is shown to improve significantly the accuracy of the computations for the flowfield on the upper surface of the airfoil, shifting the shock forward to its experimentally measured position in the case of turbulent flow. The failure of the method, even with PBC, to match the experimental shock location in the case of a flow with a separation bubble is attributed to inadequacies in the algebraic turbulence model employed (Baldwin and Lomax, 1978).

King, L. S.↗