Simulating Turbulent Flows in Complex Geometries

Author(s):  
Krishnan Mahesh ◽  
George Constantinescu ◽  
Parviz Moin

We discuss development of a numerical algorithm, and solver capable of performing large-eddy simulation (LES) in geometries as complex as the combustor of a gas-turbine engine. The algorithm is developed for unstructured grids, is non-dissipative, yet robust at high Reynolds numbers on highly skewed grids. Results from validation in simple geometries is shown along with simulation results in the exceedingly complex geometry of a Pratt & Whitney gas turbine combustor.

2005 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Mahesh ◽  
G. Constantinescu ◽  
S. Apte ◽  
G. Iaccarino ◽  
F. Ham ◽  
...  

Large-eddy simulation (LES) has traditionally been restricted to fairly simple geometries. This paper discusses LES of reacting flows in geometries as complex as commercial gas turbine engine combustors. The incompressible algorithm developed by Mahesh et al. (J. Comput. Phys., 2004, 197, 215–240) is extended to the zero Mach number equations with heat release. Chemical reactions are modeled using the flamelet/progress variable approach of Pierce and Moin (J. Fluid Mech., 2004, 504, 73–97). The simulations are validated against experiment for methane-air combustion in a coaxial geometry, and jet-A surrogate/air combustion in a gas-turbine combustor geometry.


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):  
Nobuyuki Taniguchi ◽  
Takuji Tominaga ◽  
Akiyoshi Hashimoto ◽  
Yuichi Itoh

In views of mechanical engineering, a primary problem in energy equipment design is to control of turbulent flows. Large eddy simulation is applied for analyzing tree-dimensional and unsteady features in gas-turbine combustor. For these purpose, LES with a G-equation flame model based on the flamelet concept is developed on the general co-ordinate grid and is demonstrated in design of a premixed gas-turbine combustor for aircraft engine. The simulations of the flame propagation are executed in some conditions with different relations of the equivalent ratios, and the flame positions and propagating behaviors are analyzed.


Author(s):  
Takuji Tominaga ◽  
Nobuyuki Taniguchi ◽  
Yuichi Itoh ◽  
Toshio Kobayashi

In this paper, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and G-equation model based on flamelet concept are demonstrated in axially staged annular combustor of gas turbine engine. G-equation model is extended for combustion in a non-uniform equivalence ratio of premixed gas. Using this model, the simulations of the flame propagation are executed with different spatial distribution of the equivalence ratios. In order to compare the results, experiments for combustion and non-combustion flows in the modeled combustor are also performed. The flow field can be predicted by LES and be agreed with the experimental results essentially. The flame propagating behaviors depending on the equivalence ratios are represented by the extended G-equation model.


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):  
S. James ◽  
M. S. Anand ◽  
B. Sekar

The paper presents an assessment of large eddy simulation (LES) and conventional Reynolds averaged methods (RANS) for predicting aero-engine gas turbine combustor performance. The performance characteristic that is examined in detail is the radial burner outlet temperature (BOT) or fuel-air ratio profile. Several different combustor configurations, with variations in airflows, geometries, hole patterns and operating conditions are analyzed with both LES and RANS methods. It is seen that LES consistently produces a better match to radial profile as compared to RANS. To assess the predictive capability of LES as a design tool, pretest predictions of radial profile for a combustor configuration are also presented. Overall, the work presented indicates that LES is a more accurate tool and can be used with confidence to guide combustor design. This work is the first systematic assessment of LES versus RANS on industry-relevant aero-engine gas turbine combustors.


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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