Simulating flow separation from continuous surfaces: routes to overcoming the Reynolds number barrier

Author(s):  
Michael Leschziner ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Fabrizio Tessicini

This paper provides a discussion of several aspects of the construction of approaches that combine statistical (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes, RANS) models with large eddy simulation (LES), with the objective of making LES an economically viable method for predicting complex, high Reynolds number turbulent flows. The first part provides a review of alternative approaches, highlighting their rationale and major elements. Next, two particular methods are introduced in greater detail: one based on coupling near-wall RANS models to the outer LES domain on a single contiguous mesh, and the other involving the application of the RANS and LES procedures on separate zones, the former confined to a thin near-wall layer. Examples for their performance are included for channel flow and, in the case of the zonal strategy, for three separated flows. Finally, a discussion of prospects is given, as viewed from the writer's perspective.

Author(s):  
Soshi Kawai

This paper addresses the error in large-eddy simulation with wall-modeling (i.e., when the wall shear stress is modeled and the viscous near-wall layer is not resolved): the error in estimating the wall shear stress from a given outer-layer velocity field using auxiliary near-wall RANS equations where convection is not neglected. By considering the behavior of turbulence length scales near a wall, the cause of the errors is diagnosed and solutions that remove the errors are proposed based solidly on physical reasoning. The resulting method is shown to accurately predict equilibrium boundary layers at very high Reynolds number, with both realistic instantaneous fields (without overly elongated unphysical near-wall structures) and accurate statistics (both skin friction and turbulence quantities).


Author(s):  
N. Gourdain ◽  
F. Sicot ◽  
F. Duchaine ◽  
L. Gicquel

A better understanding of turbulent unsteady flows is a necessary step towards a breakthrough in the design of modern compressors. Owing to high Reynolds numbers and very complex geometry, the flow that develops in such industrial machines is extremely hard to predict. At this time, the most popular method to simulate these flows is still based on a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach. However, there is some evidence that this formalism is not accurate for these components, especially when a description of time-dependent turbulent flows is desired. With the increase in computing power, large eddy simulation (LES) emerges as a promising technique to improve both knowledge of complex physics and reliability of flow solver predictions. The objective of the paper is thus to give an overview of the current status of LES for industrial compressor flows as well as to propose future research axes regarding the use of LES for compressor design. While the use of wall-resolved LES for industrial multistage compressors at realistic Reynolds number should not be ready before 2035, some possibilities exist to reduce the cost of LES, such as wall modelling and the adaptation of the phase-lag condition. This paper also points out the necessity to combine LES to techniques able to tackle complex geometries. Indeed LES alone, i.e. without prior knowledge of such flows for grid construction or the prohibitive yet ideal use of fully homogeneous meshes to predict compressor flows, is quite limited today.


Author(s):  
Sachin S. Badarayani ◽  
Kyle D. Squires

Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of high-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulent flows is prohibitively expensive if the energy-containing eddies in the near-wall region are resolved. This motivates the use of wall-layer models in which an approximate solution of the near wall dynamics is bridged to an LES of the outer flow. The main interest of the present work are wall-modeling strategies based on Detached Eddy Simulation (DES). In these approaches, the near-wall solution is closed using a Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes model with a subgrid closure applied to the outer flow. As is well known, the original DES formulation applied directly as a wall model results in a shift in the velocity profile, corresponding to an under-estimation of the skin friction. A new formulation is proposed in this contribution in which the wall-parallel components of the modeled stress are reduced in order to lower the influence of the model and increase the resolved stress. The effectiveness of the new model is evaluated via comparison against DES predictions using the original and recently-proposed versions of the method. The effect of grid resolution and model parameters are also assessed using computations of turbulent channel flow at a Reynolds number based on friction velocity and channel halfwidth of 5000. The predictions show that the anisotropic form of the model stress yields an improved prediction of the mean velocity profile in better agreement with the logarithmic law and with larger resolved stress in the near-wall region.


2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 831-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Hanjalic

The paper provides a view of some developments and a perspective on the future role of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach in the computation of turbulent flows and heat transfer in competition with large-eddy simulations (LES). It is argued that RANS will further play an important role, especially in industrial and environmental computations, and that the further increase in the computing power will be used more to utilize advanced RANS models to shorten the design and marketing cycle rather than to yield the way to LES. We also discuss some current and future developments in RANS aimed at improving their performance and range of applicability, as well as their potential in hybrid approaches in combination with the LES strategy. Limitations in LES at high Reynolds (Re) and Rayleigh (Ra) number flows and heat transfer are revisited and some hybrid RANS/LES routes are discussed. The potential of very large eddy simulations (VLES) of flows dominated by (pseudo)-deterministic eddy structures, based on transient RANS (T-RANS) and similar approaches, is discussed and illustrated in an example of “ultra-hard” (very high Ra) thermal convection.


Author(s):  
K. Hanjalic´

The paper provides a view of some developments and a perspective on the future role of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach in the computation of turbulent flows and heat transfer in competition with Large-eddy simulations (LES). It is argued that RANS will further play an important role, especially in industrial and environmental computations, and that the future increase in the computing power will be used more to utilize advanced RANS models to shorten the design and marketing cycle rather than to yield the way to LES. We also discuss some current and future developments in RANS aimed at improving their performance and range of applicability, as well as their potential in hybrid approaches in combination with the LES strategy. Limitations in LES at high Reynolds (Re) and Rayleigh (Ra) number flows and heat transfer are revisited and some hybrid RANS/LES routes are discussed. The potential of very large eddy simulations (VLES) of flows dominated by (pseudo)-deterministic eddy structures, based on transient RANS (T-RANS) and similar approaches is discussed and illustrated in an example of “ultra-hard” (very high Ra) thermal convection.


Author(s):  
James Tyacke ◽  
Richard Jefferson-Loveday ◽  
Paul Tucker

Nine Large Eddy Simulation (LES) methods are used to simulate flow through two labyrinth seal geometries and are compared with a wide range of Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solutions. These involve one-equation, two-equation and Reynolds Stress RANS models. Also applied are linear and nonlinear pure LES models, hybrid RANS-Numerical-LES (RANS-NLES) and Numerical-LES (NLES). RANS is found to have a maximum error and a scatter of 20%. A similar level of scatter is also found among the same turbulence model implemented in different codes. In a design context, this makes RANS unusable as a final solution. Results show that LES and RANS-NLES is capable of accurately predicting flow behaviour of two seals with a scatter of less than 5%. The complex flow physics gives rise to both laminar and turbulent zones making most LES models inappropriate. Nonetheless, this is found to have minimal tangible results impact. In accord with experimental observations, the ability of LES to find multiple solutions due to solution non-uniqueness is also observed.


Author(s):  
Yan Jin

Abstract The turbulent flow in a compressor cascade is calculated by using a new simulation method, i.e., parameter extension simulation (PES). It is defined as the calculation of a turbulent flow with the help of a reference solution. A special large-eddy simulation (LES) method is developed to calculate the reference solution for PES. Then, the reference solution is extended to approximate the exact solution for the Navier-Stokes equations. The Richardson extrapolation is used to estimate the model error. The compressor cascade is made of NACA0065-009 airfoils. The Reynolds number 3.82 × 105 and the attack angles −2° to 7° are accounted for in the study. The effects of the end-walls, attack angle, and tripping bands on the flow are analyzed. The PES results are compared with the experimental data as well as the LES results using the Smagorinsky, k-equation and WALE subgrid models. The numerical results show that the PES requires a lower mesh resolution than the other LES methods. The details of the flow field including the laminar-turbulence transition can be directly captured from the PES results without introducing any additional model. These characteristics make the PES a potential method for simulating flows in turbomachinery with high Reynolds numbers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1096-1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Leveque ◽  
Hatem Touil ◽  
Satish Malik ◽  
Denis Ricot ◽  
Alois Sengissen

Purpose The Lattice Boltzmann (LB) method offers an alternative to conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. However, its practical use for complex turbulent flows of engineering interest is still at an early stage. This paper aims to outline an LB wall-modeled large-eddy simulation (WMLES) solver. Design/methodology/approach The solver is dedicated to complex high-Reynolds flows in the context of WMLES. It relies on an improved LB scheme and can handle complex geometries on multi-resolution block structured grids. Findings Dynamic and acoustic characteristics of a turbulent airflow past a rod-airfoil tandem are examined to test the capabilities of this solver. Detailed direct comparisons are made with both experimental and numerical reference data. Originality/value This study allows assessing the potential of an LB approach for industrial CFD applications.


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