C102 EFFECTS OF FREE-STREAM TURBULENCE INTENSITY ON UNSTEADY MIDSPAN FLOW IN A TURBINE ROTOR AT LOW REYNOLDS NUMBER

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003.1 (0) ◽  
pp. _1-137_-_1-142_
Author(s):  
Takayuki Matsunuma ◽  
Yasukata Tsutsui
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

Calculation of Transitional Boundary Layers With an Improved Low-Reynolds-Number Version of the k–ε Turbulence Model

1994 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 765-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Biswas ◽  
Y. Fukuyama
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Turbulent Flows ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Limiting Behavior ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

Several well-known low-Reynolds-number versions of the k–ε models are analyzed critically for laminar to turbulent transitional flows as well as near-wall turbulent flows from a theoretical and numerical standpoint. After examining apparent problems associated with the modeling of low-Reynolds-number wall damping functions used in these models, an improved version of the k–ε model is proposed by defining the wall damping factors as a function of some quantity (turbulence Reynolds number Ret) that is only a rather general indicator of the degree of turbulent activity at any location in the flow rather than a specific function of the location itself, and by considering the wall limiting behavior, the free-stream asymptotic behavior, and the balance between production and destruction of turbulence. This new model is applied to the prediction of (1) transitional boundary layers influenced by the free-stream turbulence, pressure gradient, and heat transfer; (2) external heat transfer distribution on the gas turbine rotor and stator blade under different inlet Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence conditions. It is demonstrated that the present model yields improved predictions.

scholarly journals Calculation of Transitional Boundary Layers With an Improved Low-Reynolds Number Version of the k-ε Turbulence Model

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debsish Biswas ◽  
Yoshitaka Fukuyama
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Turbulent Flows ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Limiting Behavior ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

Several well known low-Reynolds version of the k-ε models are analyzed critically for laminar to turbulent transtional flows as well as near wall turbulent flows from theoretical and numerical standpoint. After examining apparent problems associated with the modelling of low-Reynolds number wall damping functions used in these models, an improved version of k-ε model is proposed by defining the wall damping factors as a function of some quantity (turbulence Reynolds number Rt) which is only a rather general indicator of the degree of turbulent activity at any location in the flow rather than a specific function of the location itself, and by considering the wall limiting behavior, the free-stream asyptotic behavior, and the balnce between production and destruction of turbulence. This new model is applied to the prediction of 1) transitional boundary layers influenced by the free-stream turbulence, pressure gradient and heat transfer; 2) external heat transfer distribution on the gas turbine rotor and stator blade under different inlet Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence conditions. It is demonstrated that the present model yield improved predictions.

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’.

Simulating Boundary Layer Transition With Low-Reynolds-Number k–ε Turbulence Models: Part 1—An Evaluation of Prediction Characteristics

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Schmidt ◽  
S. V. Patankar
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
External Boundary ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

An analysis and evaluation of the capability of k–ε low-Reynolds-number turbulence models to predict transition in external boundary-layer flows subject to free-stream turbulence is presented. The similarities between the near-wall cross-stream regions in a fully turbulent boundary layer and the progressive stages through which developing boundary layers pass in the streamwise direction are used to describe the mechanisms by which the models simulate the transition process. Two representative models (Jones and Launder, 1972; Lam and Bremhorst, 1981) are employed in a series of computational tests designed to answer some specific practical questions about the ability of these models to yield accurate, reliable answers over a range of free-stream turbulence conditions.

Measurements in a Turbine Cascade Flow Under Ultra Low Reynolds Number Conditions

2001 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Van Treuren ◽  
Terrence Simon ◽  
Marc von Koller ◽  
Aaron R. Byerley ◽  
James W. Baughn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Vortex Generators ◽  
Separation Region ◽  
Suction Surface ◽  
Low Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

With the new generation of gas turbine engines, low Reynolds number flows have become increasingly important. Designers must properly account for transition from laminar to turbulent flow and separation of the flow from the suction surface, which is strongly dependent upon transition. Of interest to industry are Reynolds numbers based upon suction surface length and flow exit velocity below 150,000 and as low as 25,000. In this paper, the extreme low end of this Reynolds number range is documented by way of pressure distributions, loss coefficients, and identification of separation zones. Reynolds numbers of 25,000 and 50,000 and with 1 percent and 8-9 percent turbulence intensity of the approach flow (free-stream turbulence intensity, FSTI) were investigated. At 25,000 Reynolds number and low FSTI, the suction surface displayed a strong and steady separation region. Raising the turbulence intensity resulted in a very unsteady separation region of nearly the same size on the suction surface. Vortex generators were added to the suction surface, but they appeared to do very little at this Reynolds number. At the higher Reynolds number of 50,000, the low-FSTI case was strongly separated on the downstream portion of the suction surface. The separation zone was eliminated when the turbulence level was increased to 8-9 percent. Vortex generators were added to the suction surface of the low-FSTI case. In this instance, the vortices were able to provide the mixing needed to re-establish flow attachment. This paper shows that massive separation at very low Reynolds numbers (25,000) is persistent, in spite of elevated FSTI and added vortices. However, at a higher Reynolds number, there is opportunity for flow reattachment either with elevated free-stream turbulence or with added vortices. This may be the first documentation of flow behavior at such low Reynolds numbers. Although it is undesirable to operate under these conditions, it is important to know what to expect and how performance may be improved if such conditions are unavoidable.

A Model for Simulation of Turbulent Flow With High Free Stream Turbulence Implemented in OpenFOAM®

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hosein Foroutan ◽  
Savas Yavuzkurt
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Friction Coefficient ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Skin Friction ◽  
Turbulent Kinetic Energy ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Skin Friction Coefficient ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

A low-Reynolds number k-ε model for simulation of turbulent flow with high free stream turbulence is developed which can successfully predict turbulent kinetic energy profiles, skin friction coefficient, and Stanton number under high free stream turbulence. Modifications incorporating the effects of free stream velocity and length scale are applied. These include an additional term in turbulent kinetic energy transport equation, as well as reformulation of the coefficient in turbulent viscosity equation. The present model is implemented in OpenFOAM CFD code and applied together with other well-known versions of low-Reynolds number k-ε model in flow and heat transfer calculations in a flat plate turbulent boundary layer. Three different test cases based on the initial values of the free stream turbulence intensity (1%, 6.53%, and 25.7%) are considered and models predictions are compared with available experimental data. Results indicate that almost all low-Reynolds number k-ε models, including the present model, give reasonably good results for low free stream turbulence intensity case (1%). However, deviations between current k-ε models predictions and data become larger as turbulence intensity increases. Turbulent kinetic energy levels obtained from these models for very high turbulence intensity (25.7%) show as much as 100% underprediction while skin friction coefficient and Stanton number are overpredicted by more than 70%. Applying the present modifications, predictions of skin friction coefficient, and Stanton number improve considerably (only 15% and 8% deviations in average for very high free stream turbulence intensity). Turbulent kinetic energy levels are vastly improved within the boundary layer as well. It seems like the new developed model can capture the physics of the high free stream turbulence effects.

A Model for Simulation of Turbulent Flow With High Free Stream Turbulence Implemented in OpenFOAM

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hosein Foroutan ◽  
Savas Yavuzkurt
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Friction Coefficient ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Skin Friction ◽  
Turbulent Kinetic Energy ◽  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Skin Friction Coefficient ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

A low Reynolds number k-ε model for simulation of turbulent flow with high free stream turbulence is developed which can successfully predict turbulent kinetic energy profiles, skin friction coefficient and Stanton number under high free stream turbulence. Modifications incorporating the effects of free stream velocity and length scale are applied. These include an additional term in turbulent kinetic energy transport equation, as well as reformulation of the coefficient in turbulent viscosity equation. The present model is implemented in OpenFOAM CFD code and applied together with other well-known versions of low Reynolds number k-ε model in flow and heat transfer calculations in a flat plate turbulent boundary layer. Three different test cases based on the initial values of the free stream turbulence intensity (1%, 6.53% and 25.7%) are considered and models predictions are compared with available experimental data. Results indicate that almost all low Reynolds number k-ε models, including the present model, give reasonably good results for low free stream turbulence intensity case (1%). However, deviations between current k-ε models predictions and data become larger as turbulence intensity increases. Turbulent kinetic energy levels obtained from these models for very high turbulence intensity (25.7%) show as much as 100% underprediction while skin friction coefficient and Stanton number are overpredicted by more than 70%. Applying the present modifications, predictions of skin friction coefficient and Stanton number improve considerably (only 15% and 8% deviations in average for very high free stream turbulence intensity). Turbulent kinetic energy levels are vastly improved within the boundary layer as well. It seems like the new developed model can capture the physics of the high free stream turbulence effects.

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