Evaluation of Turbulent Spot Production Rate in Boundary Layers Under Variable Pressure Gradients for Gas Turbine Applications

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dellacasagrande ◽  
D. Lengani ◽  
D. Simoni ◽  
M. Ubaldi ◽  
P. Zunino
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Production Rate ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Turbulent Spot ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Flow Parameters ◽  
Transition Length

Abstract The paper presents an experimental data base on transitional boundary layers developing on a flat plate installed within a variable area opening endwall channel. Measurements have been carried out by means of time-resolved PIV. The overall test matrix spans 3 Reynolds numbers, 4 free-stream turbulence intensity levels and 4 different flow adverse pressure gradients. For each condition, 16000 instantaneous flow fields have been acquired in order to obtain high statistical accuracy. The flow parameters have been varied in order to provide a gradual shift of the mode of transition from a bypass process occurring with mild adverse pressure gradients at high free-stream turbulence, to separated flow transition, occurring with low Reynolds number, low free-stream turbulence intensity and elevated adverse pressure gradient. In order to quantify the influence of the flow parameter variation on the boundary layer transition process, the transition onset and end positions, and the turbulent spot production rate have been evaluated with a wavelet based intermittency detection technique. This post-processing technique is in fact able to identify the vortical structures developing within the boundary layer, the intermittency function is then automatically evaluated for each tested condition counting the number of such structures and defining the cumulative probability function. The by-pass transition mode has the longest transition length that decreases with increasing the Reynolds number. The transition length of the separated flow case is smaller than the by-pass one, and the variation of the flow parameters has a similar impact. Similarly, the dimensionless turbulent spot production rate reduces when the Reynolds number is increasing. The variation of the inlet turbulence intensity has a small influence on this parameter except for the condition at the highest turbulence intensity, that always shows the lowest turbulent spot production rate because a by-pass type transition occurs. This large amount of data has been used to develop new correlations used to predict the spot production rate and the transition length in attached and separated flows.

Evaluation of Turbulent Spot Production Rate in Boundary Layers Under Variable Pressure Gradients for Gas Turbine Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dellacasagrande ◽  
D. Lengani ◽  
D. Simoni ◽  
M. Ubaldi ◽  
P. Zunino
Keyword(s):  
Production Rate ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Variable Pressure ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Turbulent Spot ◽  
Flow Parameters ◽  
Transition Length

Abstract The paper presents several results from an experimental data base on transitional boundary layers developing on a flat plate installed within a variable area opening endwall channel. Measurements have been carried out by means of time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV). The overall test matrix spans three Reynolds numbers, four freestream turbulence intensity levels, and four different flow pressure gradients. For each condition, 16,000 instantaneous flow fields have been acquired in order to obtain high statistical accuracy. The flow parameters have been varied in order to provide a gradual shift of the mode of transition from a by-pass process to separated flow transition. In order to quantify the influence of the flow parameter variation on the boundary layer transition process, the transition onset and end positions, and the turbulent spot production rate have been evaluated with a wavelet-based intermittency detection technique for every condition exhibiting a complete transition process. The by-pass transition mode has the longest transition length that decreases with increasing the Reynolds number. The transition length of the separated flow case is smaller than the by-pass one, and the variation of the flow parameters has a similar impact. The variation of the inlet turbulence intensity has a small influence on this parameter except for the condition at the highest turbulence intensity that always shows the lowest turbulent spot production rate because a by-pass type transition occurs. This large amount of data has been used to develop new correlations used to predict the spot production rate and the transition length in attached and separated flows.

Correlations for the Prediction of Intermittency and Turbulent Spot Production Rate in Separated Flows

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dellacasagrande ◽  
R. Guida ◽  
D. Lengani ◽  
D. Simoni ◽  
M. Ubaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Production Rate ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Separated Flows ◽  
Intensity Level ◽  
Turbulent Spot ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

Experimental data describing laminar separation bubbles developing under strong adverse pressure gradients, typical of Ultra-High-Lift turbine blades, have been analyzed to define empirical correlations able to predict the main features of the separated flow transition. Tests have been performed for three different Reynolds numbers and three different free-stream turbulence intensity levels. For each condition, around 4000 Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) snapshots have been acquired. A wavelet based intermittency detection technique, able to identify the large scale vortices shed as a consequence of the separation, has been applied to the large amount of data to efficiently compute the intermittency function for the different conditions. The transition onset and end positions, as well as the turbulent spot production rate are evaluated. Thanks to the recent advancements in the understanding on the role played by Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence intensity on the dynamics leading to transition in separated flows, guest functions are proposed in the paper to fit the data. The proposed functions are able to mimic the effects of Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence intensity level on the receptivity process of the boundary layer in the attached part, on the disturbance exponential growth rate observed in the linear stability region of the separated shear layer, as well as on the nonlinear later stage of completing transition. Once identified the structure of the correlation functions, a fitting process with own and literature data allowed us to calibrate the unknown constants. Results reported in the paper show the ability of the proposed correlations to adequately predict the transition process in the case of separated flows. The correlation for the spot production rate here proposed extends the correlations proposed in liter-ature for attached (by-pass like) transition process, and could be used in γ–Reϑ codes, where the spot production rate appears as a source term in the intermittency function transport equation.

Correlations for the Prediction of Intermittency and Turbulent Spot Production Rate in Separated Flows

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dellacasagrande ◽  
R. Guida ◽  
D. Lengani ◽  
D. Simoni ◽  
M. Ubaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Production Rate ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Separated Flows ◽  
Intensity Level ◽  
Turbulent Spot ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

Experimental data describing laminar separation bubbles developing under strong adverse pressure gradients, typical of ultra-high-lift turbine blades, have been analyzed to define empirical correlations able to predict the main features of the separated flow transition. Tests have been performed for three different Reynolds numbers and three different free-stream turbulence intensity levels. For each condition, around 4000 particle image velocimetry (PIV) snapshots have been acquired. A wavelet-based intermittency detection technique, able to identify the large scale vortices shed as a consequence of the separation, has been applied to the large amount of data to efficiently compute the intermittency function for the different conditions. The transition onset and end positions, as well as the turbulent spot production rate, are evaluated. Thanks to the recent advancements in the understanding on the role played by Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence intensity on the dynamics leading to transition in separated flows, guest functions are proposed in the paper to fit the data. The proposed functions are able to mimic the effects of Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence intensity level on the receptivity process of the boundary layer in the attached part, on the disturbance exponential growth rate observed in the linear stability region of the separated shear layer, as well as on the nonlinear later stage of completing transition. Once identified the structure of the correlation functions, a fitting process with own and literature data allowed us to calibrate the unknown constants. Results reported in the paper show the ability of the proposed correlations to adequately predict the transition process in the case of separated flows. The correlation for the spot production rate here proposed extends the correlations proposed in literature for attached (by-pass like) transition process, and could be used in γ–Reϑ codes, where the spot production rate appears as a source term in the intermittency function transport equation.

Measurements and Prediction of Free-Stream Turbulence and Pressure-Gradient Effects on Attached-Flow Boundary-Layer Transition

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Roberts ◽  
M. I. Yaras
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Flow Reynolds Number ◽  
Attached Flow ◽  
Transition Length

This paper presents measurements of free-stream turbulence, streamwise pressure gradients and flow Reynolds number effects on attached-flow transition. The measurements were performed on a flat plate, at free-stream turbulence intensities ranging from 0.5% to 9.0%, four Reynolds numbers, and several streamwise pressure distributions, including ones that are typical of the suction side pressures of axial turbine blades. Based on the results, the extent of upstream movement of transition location with free-stream turbulence, the changes in transition length with variations in the streamwise pressure gradients, and the sensitivity of these trends to flow Reynolds number are quantified. Interpretation of the measurements is based primarily on streamwise and cross-stream intermittency distributions extracted from the velocity traces of hot-wire traverses. The measured transition inception locations and transition lengths are used to evaluate mathematical models available in the published literature. A modification is proposed to a transition length model to improve the prediction of the streamwise intermittency distribution.

Periodic Wake Behind a Circular Cylinder at Low Reynolds Numbers

1976 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
A K M F Hussain ◽  
V Ramjee
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Circular Cylinder ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Longitudinal Vortex ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Hot Wire ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Shedding Frequency

SummaryThe effects of free-stream turbulence and of sinusoidal free-stream pulsations of controlled frequencies and amplitudes on the periodic wake of a circular cylinder are investigated experimentally by employing hot-wire and smoke visualisation techniques. In addition, the effects of cylinder yaw and mild favourable and adverse pressure gradients on the vortex shedding mechanism have been explored.The data relating frequency to mean velocity follow Berger’s relation; this relation is uninfluenced by free-stream turbulence intensities up to 8 per cent. As the longitudinal turbulence intensity increases from 0.3 to 8 per cent, the downstream distance Lp behind the cylinder over which the hot-wire signal is periodic decreases progressively, indicating that the otherwise steady periodic wake interacts non-linearly with the three-dimensional free-stream turbulence and undergoes either transition or rapid diffusion by turbulence, depending on both the Reynolds number and the turbulence intensity. For a given turbulence intensity, Lp decreases also with increasing Reynolds number.The shedding frequency behind a yawed cylinder does not vary as the cosine of the yaw angle ϕ for ϕ < 50°; the signal switches intermittently between periodic and irregular form as the yaw is increased from 0 to 70°. Mild pressure gradients (favourable as well as adverse) do not affect the shedding frequency; this is confirmed by smoke visualisation, which also shows that the pressure gradient changes the longitudinal vortex spacing downstream; the measured frequency is that determined by the local Reynolds number corresponding to the Berger relation.Sinusoidal streamwise pulsations of controlled frequencies, and of amplitudes up to 10 per cent of free-stream velocity, have no effect on the natural shedding frequency; this is confirmed by smoke visualisation of the cylinder wake. However, the wake signal is amplitude-modulated at a frequency equal to the difference between the pulsation frequency and the natural shedding frequency corresponding to the free-stream mean velocity. The vortices are diffused faster in the presence of pulsation. When the pulsation amplitude is increased beyond 20 per cent, the hot-wire signal frequency in the wake equals the driving frequency; the frequency in the wake centre is also that of the pulsation. The effect of free-stream pulsation on the periodic wake is different from that due to longitudinal or transverse cylinder vibration, when lock-in has been observed.It appears that free-stream disturbances – random or periodic – cannot account for the “Tritton jump”.

Effects of Free-Stream Turbulence and Adverse Pressure Gradients on Boundary Layer Transition

1994 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Gostelow ◽  
A. R. Blunden ◽  
G. J. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Turbulence Level ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Exponential Decrease ◽  
Transition Length ◽  
Spot Formation

Boundary layer measurements are presented through transition for six different free-stream turbulence levels and a complete range of adverse pressure gradients for attached laminar flow. Measured intermittency distributions provide an excellent similarity basis for characterizing the transition process under all conditions tested when the Narasimha procedure for determining transition inception is used. This inception location procedure brings consistency to the data. Velocity profiles and integral parameters are influenced by turbulence level and pressure gradient and do not provide a consistent basis. Under strong adverse pressure gradients transition occurs rapidly and the velocity profile has not fully responded before the completion of transition. The starting turbulent layer does not attain an equilibrium velocity profile. A change in pressure gradient from zero to even a modest adverse level is accompanied by a severe reduction in transition length. Under diffusing conditions the physics of the transition process changes and the spot formation rate increases rapidly; instead of the “breakdown in sets” regime experienced in the absence of a pressure gradient, transition under strong adverse pressure gradients is more related to the amplification and subsequent instability of the Tollmien-Schlichting waves. Measurements reveal an exponential decrease in transition length with increasing adverse pressure gradient; a less severe exponential decrease is experienced with increasing turbulence level. Correlations of transition length are provided that facilitate its prediction in the form of suitable length parameters including spot formation rate.

Aerodynamic Performance of a Very High Lift Low Pressure Turbine Airfoil (T106C) at Low Reynolds and High Mach Number With Effect of Free Stream Turbulence Intensity

2012 ◽  
Vol 134 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Michálek ◽  
Michelangelo Monaldi ◽  
Tony Arts
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Flow Transition ◽  
High Lift ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Pressure Turbine ◽  
Very High

A detailed experimental analysis of the effects of the Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence intensity on the aerodynamic performance of a very high-lift, mid-loaded low-pressure turbine blade (T106C) is presented in this paper. The study was carried out on a large scale linear cascade in the VKI S1/C high-speed wind tunnel, operating at high exit Mach number (0.65) with a range of low Reynolds numbers (80,000–160,000) and three levels of free-stream turbulence intensity (0.8–3.2%). In the first part of the paper, the overall aerodynamic performance of the airfoil is presented, based on mid-span measurements performed by means of static pressure taps, hot-film sensors and a five-hole probe traversing downstream of the cascade. Some specific features of separated flow transition are also discussed for selected cases. The second part presents the analysis of the results in terms of correlations derived for the characteristic points of boundary layer separation and transition. A comparison with some previously published prediction models is shown. The large variety of boundary conditions provides a unique database for validating codes dealing with separated flow transition in turbomachinery.

Effects of Reynolds Number and Free-Stream Turbulence on Turbine Tip Clearance Flow

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takayuki Matsunuma
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Turbine Cascade ◽  
Tip Leakage Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional Flow ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Dimensional Flow

Tip clearance losses represent a major efficiency penalty of turbine blades. This paper describes the effect of tip clearance on the aerodynamic characteristics of an unshrouded axial-flow turbine cascade under very low Reynolds number conditions. The Reynolds number based on the true chord length and exit velocity of the turbine cascade was varied from 4.4 × 104 to 26.6 × 104 by changing the velocity of fluid flow. The free-stream turbulence intensity was varied between 0.5% and 4.1% by modifying turbulence generation sheet settings. Three-dimensional flow fields at the exit of the turbine cascade were measured both with and without tip clearance using a five-hole pressure probe. Tip leakage flow generated a large high total pressure loss region. Variations in the Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence intensity changed the distributions of three-dimensional flow, but had no effect on the mass-averaged tip clearance loss of the turbine cascade.

scholarly journals A Theory for Predicting the Turbulent-Spot Production Rate

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Mayle
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Production Rate ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Length Scale ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Turbulence Level ◽  
Turbulent Spot ◽  
Boundary Layer Flows ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
New Correlation

A theory is presented for predicting the production rate of turbulent spots. The theory, based on that by Mayle-Schulz for bypass transition, leads to a new correlation for the spot production rate in boundary layer flows with a zero pressure gradient. The correlation, which agrees reasonably well with data, clearly shows the effects of both free-stream turbulence level and length scale. In addition, the theory provides an estimate for the lowest level of free-stream turbulence causing bypass transition.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document