Numerical investigation of laminar–turbulent transition in laminar separation bubbles: the effect of free-stream turbulence

2018 ◽  
Vol 858 ◽  
pp. 714-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirzad Hosseinverdi ◽  
Hermann F. Fasel
Keyword(s):  
Shear Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Shear Layer Instability ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Turbulent Transition ◽  
Separated Shear Layer ◽  
Separation Bubbles

The role of free-stream turbulence (FST) in the hydrodynamic instability mechanisms and transition to turbulence in laminar separation bubbles (LSBs) was investigated using direct numerical simulations (DNS). Towards this end, a set of highly resolved DNS have been carried out, where isotropic FST fluctuations with intensities from 0.1 % to 3 % are introduced to investigate the relevant physical mechanisms governing the interaction of separation and transition in LSBs. For disturbance-free simulations, i.e. without FST, laminar–turbulent transition involves a Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability of the separated shear layer. For LSBs subjected to FST, vortical FST fluctuations penetrate the approaching attached laminar boundary layer upstream of the separation location and induce slowly growing low-frequency disturbances, so-called Klebanoff (K) modes, which cause a spanwise modulation with a distinct spanwise wavelength. Simultaneously, the FST enhances the initial levels of instability waves with frequencies in the frequency range of the KH instability, but at much smaller amplitude levels compared to the K-modes. Results from the calculations based on the linearized Navier–Stokes equations and comparison with DNS results reveal that the K-mode exhibits exponential growth in the separated shear layer until it reaches a peak amplitude. At the same time, two-dimensional (2D) disturbance waves are also exponentially amplified, in fact at larger growth rate compared to the K-mode, due to the primary (convective) shear-layer instability mechanism until they saturate downstream of the peak amplitude associated with the K-mode. Therefore, based on detailed spectral analysis and modal decompositions for the separation bubbles investigated, the transition process is the result of two different mechanisms: (i) strong amplification of high-frequency (order of the shedding frequency), essentially 2D or weakly oblique fluctuating disturbances and (ii) low-frequency, three-dimensional K-modes caused by FST. Depending on the intensity of the FST, one of these mechanisms would dominate the transition process, or both mechanisms act together and contribute simultaneously. The net effect of these two events is an acceleration of transition for an increased level of FST intensity, which in turn leads to a reduction of the extent of the separation bubble in streamwise and wall-normal directions. The ‘roll-up’ into spanwise large-scale vortical structures resulting from the shear-layer instability, and the eventual breakdown of these structures, strongly contribute to the reattachment process. The spanwise coherence of these ‘rollers’ deteriorates due to the presence of large-amplitude K-modes, thus effectively weakening their strength for high levels of FST intensities ($Tu>1\,\%$).

The structure of a shear layer bounding a separation region. Part 2. Effects of free-stream turbulence

1988 ◽  
Vol 192 ◽  
pp. 577-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. P. Castro ◽  
A. Haque
Keyword(s):  
Shear Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Layer Structure ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Turbulence Structure ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Turbulence Data ◽  
Upstream Flow

Detailed measurements throughout the separated region behind a flat plate placed normal to a turbulent stream are reported. A long, central, downstream splitter plate prevented vortex shedding and led to a relatively extensive reversed flow region. Mean flow and turbulence data are compared with results obtained in the (nominal) absence of free-stream turbulence, and attention is concentrated on the changes in the shear-layer structure resulting from the different nature of the upstream flow.Many aspects of the results confirm those obtained recently by other workers. Free-stream turbulence enhances shear-layer entrainment rates, reduces the distance to reattachment and modifies the relatively low-frequency ‘flapping’ motion of the shear layer. In addition, however, extensive use of pulsed wire anemometry has allowed detailed measurements of the turbulence structure throughout the flow and it is shown that this is also modified significantly by the stream turbulence.

Numerical investigation of the role of free-stream turbulence in boundary-layer separation

2016 ◽  
Vol 801 ◽  
pp. 289-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Balzer ◽  
H. F. Fasel
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Hydrodynamic Instability ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Transition To Turbulence ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

The aerodynamic performance of lifting surfaces operating at low Reynolds number conditions is impaired by laminar separation. In most cases, transition to turbulence occurs in the separated shear layer as a result of a series of strong hydrodynamic instability mechanisms. Although the understanding of these mechanisms has been significantly advanced over the past decades, key questions remain unanswered about the influence of external factors such as free-stream turbulence (FST) and others on transition and separation. The present study is driven by the need for more accurate predictions of separation and transition phenomena in ‘real world’ applications, where elevated levels of FST can play a significant role (e.g. turbomachinery). Numerical investigations have become an integral part in the effort to enhance our understanding of the intricate interactions between separation and transition. Due to the development of advanced numerical methods and the increase in the performance of supercomputers with parallel architecture, it has become feasible for low Reynolds number application ($O(10^{5})$) to carry out direct numerical simulations (DNS) such that all relevant spatial and temporal scales are resolved without the use of turbulence modelling. Because the employed high-order accurate DNS are characterized by very low levels of background noise, they lend themselves to transition research where the amplification of small disturbances, sometimes even growing from numerical round-off, can be examined in great detail. When comparing results from DNS and experiment, however, it is beneficial, if not necessary, to increase the background disturbance levels in the DNS to levels that are typical for the experiment. For the current work, a numerical model that emulates a realistic free-stream turbulent environment was adapted and implemented into an existing Navier–Stokes code based on a vorticity–velocity formulation. The role FST plays in the transition process was then investigated for a laminar separation bubble forming on a flat plate. FST was shown to cause the formation of the well-known Klebanoff mode that is represented by streamwise-elongated streaks inside the boundary layer. Increasing the FST levels led to accelerated transition, a reduction in bubble size and better agreement with the experiments. Moreover, the stage of linear disturbance growth due to the inviscid shear-layer instability was found to not be ‘bypassed’.

scholarly journals On the Calculation of Laminar Separation Bubbles Using Different Transition Models

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Sanz ◽  
Max F. Platzer
Keyword(s):  
Transition Process ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Controlled Diffusion ◽  
Laminar To Turbulent Transition ◽  
Turbulent Transition ◽  
Separation Bubbles ◽  
Turbomachinery Blades ◽  
Transition Models ◽  
Laminar Separation Bubbles

Laminar separation bubbles are commonly observed on turbomachinery blades and therefore require effective methods for their prediction. The location and size of the bubbles is critically dependent on the laminar-to-turbulent transition process. Therefore, in this paper the transition models of Solomon et al., Abu-Ghannam & Shaw, Mayle, Calvert, and Choi & Kang are incorporated into an upwind-biased Navier-Stokes solver and the computed results are compared with the measurements of Elazar & Shreeve in a cascade with controlled-diffusion blades. It is found that none of the models predicts the measured bubbles very well, although most of them give reasonable results as long as transition is predicted to occur within the bubble.

The Role of Laminar-Turbulent Transition in Gas Turbine Engines: A Discussion

1993 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbine Engines ◽  
Critical Study ◽  
Gas Turbine Engines ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Turbulent Transition ◽  
Transition Length

An extended discussion of Mayle’s (1991) critical study of transition phenomena in gas turbine engines is presented. Attention is focused on transition in decelerating flow regions, which are the major sources of loss production for axial turbomachine blades. The following points are examined in detail: (a) the physics of transition and its implications for the correlation of various transition phenomena; (b) the relative importance of pressure gradient and free-stream turbulence in controlling transition; (c) the influence of pressure gradient on periodic-unsteady transition; (d) the correlation of transition length under conditions of arbitrary pressure gradient and free-stream turbulence level; and (e) transition behavior in laminar separation bubbles. The discussion examines various differences in philosophy concerning the above phenomena and makes further suggestions for transition research, which may assist in resolving the issues raised.

scholarly journals The Role of Laminar-Turbulent Transition in Gas Turbine Engines: A Discussion

1992 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. J. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbine Engines ◽  
Critical Study ◽  
Gas Turbine Engines ◽  
Laminar Separation ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Turbulent Transition ◽  
Transition Length

An extended discussion of Mayle’s (1991) critical study of transition phenomena in gas turbine engines is presented. Attention is focussed on transition in decelerating flow regions which are the major sources of loss production for axial turbomachine blades. The following points are examined in detail: (a) the physics of transition and its implications for the correlation of various transition phenomena; (b) the relative importance of pressure gradient and free-stream turbulence in controlling transition; (c) the influence of pressure gradient on periodic-unsteady transition; (d) the correlation of transition length under conditions of arbitrary pressure gradient and free-stream turbulence level; and (e) transition behavior in laminar separation bubbles. The discussion examines various differences in philosophy concerning the above phenomena and corrects some areas of misinterpretation in the subject review paper. It concludes with further suggestions for transition research which may assist in resolving the issues raised.

Unsteady boundary-layer transition in low-pressure turbines

2011 ◽  
Vol 681 ◽  
pp. 370-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN D. COULL ◽  
HOWARD P. HODSON
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Shear Layer ◽  
Flat Plate ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Free Stream Velocity ◽  
Stream Velocity ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

This paper examines the transition process in a boundary layer similar to that present over the suction surfaces of aero-engine low-pressure (LP) turbine blades. This transition process is of significant practical interest since the behaviour of this boundary layer largely determines the overall efficiency of the LP turbine. Modern ‘high-lift’ blade designs typically feature a closed laminar separation bubble on the aft portion of the suction surface. The size of this bubble and hence the inefficiency it generates is controlled by the transition between laminar and turbulent flow in the boundary layer and separated shear layer. The transition process is complicated by the inherent unsteadiness of the multi-stage machine: the wakes shed by one blade row convect through the downstream blade passages, periodically disturbing the boundary layers. As a consequence, the transition to turbulence is multi-modal by nature, being promoted by periodic and turbulent fluctuations in the free stream and the inherent instabilities of the boundary layer. Despite many studies examining the flow behaviour, the detailed physics of the unsteady transition phenomena are not yet fully understood. The boundary-layer transition process has been studied experimentally on a flat plate. The opposing test-section wall was curved to impose a streamwise pressure distribution typical of modern high-lift LP turbines over the flat plate. The presence of an upstream blade row has been simulated by a set of moving bars, which shed wakes across the test section inlet. Further upstream, a grid has been installed to elevate the free-stream turbulence to a level believed to be representative of multi-stage LP turbines. Extensive particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been performed on the flat-plate boundary layer to examine the flow behaviour. In the absence of the incoming bar wakes, the grid-generated free-stream turbulence induces relatively weak Klebanoff streaks in the boundary layer which are evident as streamwise streaks of low-velocity fluid. Transition is promoted by the streaks and by the inherent inflectional (Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH)) instability of the separation bubble. In unsteady flow, the incoming bar wakes generate stronger Klebanoff streaks as they pass over the leading edge, which convect downstream at a fraction of the free-stream velocity and spread in the streamwise direction. The region of amplified streaks convects in a similar manner to a classical turbulent spot: the leading and trailing edges travel at around 88% and 50% of the free-stream velocity, respectively. The strongest disturbances travel at around 70% of the free-stream velocity. The wakes induce a second type of disturbance as they pass over the separation bubble, in the form of short-span KH structures. Both the streaks and the KH structures contribute to the early wake-induced transition. The KH structures are similar to those observed in the simulation of separated flow transition with high free-stream turbulence by McAuliffe & Yaras (ASME J. Turbomach., vol. 132, no. 1, 2010, 011004), who observed that these structures originated from localised instabilities of the shear layer induced by Klebanoff streaks. In the current measurements, KH structures are frequently observed directly under the path of the wake. The wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks cannot affect the generation of these structures since they do not arrive at the bubble until later in the wake cycle. Rather, the KH structures arise from an interaction between the flow disturbances in the wake and localised instabilities in the shear layer, which are caused by the weak Klebanoff streaks induced by the grid turbulence. The breakdown of the KH structures to small-scale turbulence occurs a short time after the wake has passed over the bubble, and is largely driven by the arrival of the wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks from the leading edge. During this process, the re-attachment location moves rapidly upstream. The minimum length of the bubble occurs when the strongest wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks arrive from the leading edge; these structures travel at around 70% of the free-stream velocity. The bubble remains shorter than its steady-flow length until the trailing edge of the wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks, travelling at 50% of the free-stream velocity, convect past. After this time, the reattachment location moves aft on the surface as a consequence of a calmed flow region which follows behind the wake-induced turbulence.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document