Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Convair 990 transonic flow-field simulation about the forward fuselage

A three-dimensional, viscous flow code was used to calculate the transonic flow about the forebody of the Convair CV-990 (Galileo II) research aircraft stationed at NASA Ames Research Center. The computations were used to determine the location for a differential pressure system. In addition, attitude sensor placements were verified. These instruments comprise a meteorological measurement system, which will be used for global determination of three-dimensional wind data. The code solves the thin layer form of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using an implicit numerical procedure. The governing equations are written in a generalized, nonorthogonal coordinate system, and are cast in a strong conservation law form. Laminar boundary layer results are presented for free stream Mach number of 0.8 and angles of attack of zero and 2 deg. Use of this computational tool reduced the development time for the location of the sensors and aided in the optimal placement on the aircraft of these devices.

Chaussee, D. S.↗

Three-dimensional flow over a conical afterbody containing a centered propulsive jet - A numerical simulation

The supersonic flow field over a body of revolution incident to the free stream is simulated numerically on a large, array processor (the CDC Cyber 205). The configuration is composed of a cone-cylinder forebody followed by a conical afterbody from which emanates a centered, supersonic propulsive jet. The free-stream Mach number is 2, the jet-exit Mach number is 2.5, and the jet-to-free-stream static pressure ratio is 3. Both the external flow and the exhaust are ideal air at a common total temperature. The thin-layer approximation to the time-dependent, compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved using an implicit finite-difference algorithm. The data base, of 5 million words, is structured in a 'pencil' format so that efficient use of the array processor can be realized. The computer code is completely vectorized to take advantage of the data structure. Turbulence closure is achieved using an empirical algebraic eddy-viscosity model. The configuration and flow conditions correspond to published experimental tests and the computed solutions are consistent with the experimental data.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

Topological analysis of computed three-dimensional viscous flow fields

Computed solutions of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for three-dimensional flows having thin shear layers are analyzed, using topological concepts. Specific examples include the transonic flow over a body of revolution with conical afterbody at moderate angles of incidence to the free stream. Experimental flow-visualization techniques are simulated graphically to visualize the computed flow. Scalar and vector fluid dynamic properties, such as pressure, shear stress, and vorticity on the body surface, are presented as topological maps, and their relationship to one another in terms of orientation and singular points is discussed. The extrapolation from these surface topologies toward the understanding of external flow-field behavior is discussed and demonstrated.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

Drag of two-dimensional small-amplitude symmetric and asymmetric wavy walls in turbulent boundary layers

Included are results of an experimental investigation of low-speed turbulent flow over multiple two-dimensional transverse rigid wavy surfaces having a wavelength on the order of the boundary-layer thickness. Data include surface pressure and total drag measurements on symmetric and asymmetric wall waves under a low-speed turbulent boundary-layer flow. Several asymmetric wave configurations exhibited drag levels below the equivalent symmetric (sine) wave. The experimental results compare favorably with numerical predictions from a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes spectral code. The reported results are of particular interest for the estimation of drag, the minimization of fabrication waviness effects, and the study of wind-wave interactions.

Lin, J. C.↗

Time-dependent finite-difference simulation of unsteady interactive flows

The solution of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations for unsteady, interacting flows by finite-difference algorithms is discussed. Specific examples include (1) unsteady transonic flow over a thick biconvex airfoil, (2) determination of buffet boundaries for a transonic lifting airfoil, (3) the simulation of aileron buzz and (4) dynamic stall. Algorithms considered include explicit methods, mixed (or hybrid) methods, and fully implicit methods. Consideration of time scales for computational stability, computational accuracy, and physical accuracy and the use of time-dependent adaptive meshing to realize computational efficiency are also discussed.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

Numerical simulation of turbulent trailing edge flows

Numerical simulations of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations, employing a two-equation turbulence model, are presented and compared with measurements from a series of trailing edge experiments at transonic Mach numbers. The test flows include an asymmetric flow with no separation, an asymmetric flow with a small region of separation and a symmetric flow with a large shock-wave induced separated zone. Comparisons are made for mean surface quantities as well as for mean and fluctuating flow-field quantities. For the trailing-edge flows with little or no separation, the solutions correctly predict all the major features of the flow field. Treatment of the viscous-inviscid interaction was found to be important for predicting these test cases. Two-equation eddy-viscosity turbulence models were found to be adequate for these flows. However, for the shock-wave induced separation case, these turbulence models were inadequate to predict this flow field. Modifications of the turbulence model to correct these deficiencies are discussed.

Horstman, C. C.↗

A computational study of complex three-dimensional compressible turbulent flow fields

Solutions of the time dependent, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations are presented and are compared with a family of experimental results for the three-dimensional interaction of a shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer. The solutions correctly predict the major features of the flow field independent of the shock strength and the extent of separation when using a two-equation turbulence model with wall functions. The experimentally observed boundary between cylindrical and conical flow regimes is also predicted. However, for the flow fields with large separated zones, the details of the measured pressure distributions are not accurately computed, which indicates a need for improved turbulence modeling and/or grid resolution.

Horstman, C. C.↗

Theoretical analysis of aircraft afterbody flow

The strongly interactive flow field about aircraft afterbodies is investigated using computational techniques by which the thin-shear-layer formulation of the compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations is solved. A time-dependent implicit numerical algorithm is used to obtain solutions for a variety of afterbody and nozzle geometries, within the class of bodies of revolution, for both subsonic and supersonic external flow, and for sonic and supersonic underexpanded jets. Only centered nozzles with either a sharp lip or a blunt base are considered. In all cases, computed results are compared with experimental data taken at flight Reynolds numbers for like-flow conditions. Turbulence closure is realized using algebraic eddy-viscosity concepts. A new and unique adaptive-grid technique is used to resolve flow regimes with large gradients and to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the computational scheme. Special singular point boundary conditions are used for similar purposes, and are especially effective for highly under-expanded jets. For all cases considered, except one with a very large base-to-nozzle-exit-diameter ratio, the agreement with experimental measurements is excellent. For geometries with large base regions, enhancements in the turbulence transport model are necessary to support improvements in the flow-field simulation.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

A Reattaching Free Shear Layer in Compressible Turbulent Flow: A Comparison of Numerical and Experimental Results

An investigation of the two-dimensional, free turbulent shear layer reattaching on an inclined surface at Mach 2.92 and at a high Reynolds number is described. The test geometry is specifically designed to isolate the reattachment process of a high-speed separated flow. A numerical solution of the time-dependent, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations for the entire flow field, employing a two-equation eddy viscosity turbulence model, is presented. Detailed comparisons of prediction and experiment are made in the free shear layer, at reattachment, and in the developing boundary layer downstream. These comparisons include mean surface quantities as well as mean and fluctuating flow-field quantities. Although the overall features of this complex flow field are predicted, there are several deficiencies in the numerical solution, particularly in the region downstream of reattachment. Modifications of the turbulence model to correct these deficiencies are discussed.

Horstman, C. C.↗

The NASA Turbulent Heat Flux (THX) Experiments: Summary and Lessons Learned

The Turbulent Heat Flux (THX) experiments were conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in order to collect measurements of velocities and temperatures for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation of heated flows, with a focus on propulsion system components. The experiments spanned 5 phases; four of which were conducted in the GRC AeroAcoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) using the Small Hot Jet Flow Rig (SHJAR). In addition to making velocity measurements with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), the THX experiments introduced a new Raman-scattering based capability to measure temperatures. Computational studies were also conducted for each of the experimental configurations, in order to provide a baseline of expected CFD results and conduct an assessment of the capability of various CFD approaches for calculating flows where the turbulent transport of heat was important. Two of the collected sets of data were used for American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Propulsion Aerodynamic Workshops (PAWs). The data set from the 5th phase, collected for heated supersonic jets, was also used to construct new validation cases for the NASA Turbulence Model Resource (TMR). This paper provides an overview of the experiments and associated computations for each of the 5 test phases. Key experimental findings are presented. Lessons learned are provided concerning the effect of computational modeling choice on accuracy of predicting turbulent flows where thermal transport is important. Emphasis is placed on comparing Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes approaches with large-eddy simulation approaches. The benefits of utilizing a conjugate heat transfer method in conjunction with CFD solver for film cooling is demonstrated.

RANS↗

Improvements to RANS Modeling for Aeroheating Predictions on Blunt Bodies

Accurate predictions of aeroheating are critical for designing thermal protection systems for planetary entry vehicles. For larger vehicles, turbulence in the boundary layer can substantially increase convective heating. This turbulence must be accurately modeled to ensure the thermal protection system is sufficient. The majority of hypersonic turbulence model development and validation focuses on boundary layers developing over flat-plates or sharp cones; these cases are substantially different than the boundary layer that develops over the heatshield of a blunt body traveling at hypersonic speeds. Planetary missions often use blunt body geometries, such as the 70-degree sphere-cone favored by Mars missions or the 45-degree sphere-cone planned for the upcoming DAVINCI mission. Due to smaller vehicle size and the lower velocities in the stagnation region, planetary entry vehicles have relatively low Reynolds numbers. Surface curvature and high enthalpy gradients create additional challenges. These difficulties must be addressed to obtain high accuracy needed for the ambitious planetary missions in the upcoming decade. This work focuses on both assessing and improving Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models for blunt-body geometries typical of planetary entry vehicles, with a focus on one-equation and two-equation formulations.

Mars2020↗

A PANSONIC Navier-Stokes solver

A finite-difference formulation of the full Navier-Stokes equations which demonstrates a capability to economically solve two-dimensional problems has been developed. The basic algorithm was derived from the full, Reynolds-averaged, conservative, Navier-Stokes equations expressed in curvilinear coordinates. Eddy viscosity was determined by the Baldwin and Lomax algebraic turbulence model. This non-iterative, second-order accurate, implicit, numerical algorithm is based on the approximate factorization finite-difference scheme of Beam and Warming. Results indicate a facility for solving subsonic, transonic, and supersonic (hence PANSONIC) flows about arbitrary airfoils for a wide range of Reynolds numbers, Mach numbers, and angles of attack. Current computations demonstrate that vectorized implementations of this algorithm can solve steady-state, two-dimensional problems in five to ten minutes of computer time.

Cooper, G. K.↗

Computation of separated transonic turbulent flows

The two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved using MacCormack's second-order-accurate explicit finite difference method to simulate the separated transonic turbulent flow field over an airfoil. Four different algebraic eddy viscosity models are tested for viability to achieve turbulence closure for the class of flows considered. These models range from an unmodified boundary-layer mixing-length model to a relaxation model incorporating special considerations for the separation bubble region. Results of this study indicate the necessity for special attention to the separated flow region and suggest limits of applicability of algebraic turbulence models to these separated flow fields.

Deiwert, G. S.↗

Transient phenomena of shock-induced turbulent separation for a spikebody and stalling airfoil at transonic and supersonic speeds

The time-dependent, compressible, Reynolds-averaged, full Navier-Stokes equations are applied to solve an axisymmetric flow around a forward-facing stepbody (spikebody) at supersonic speeds and a stalling airfoil at transonic speeds. Important transient and unsteady phenomena, not yet well understood, are examined, and significant new findings of the present solution to the phenomena are discussed. The phenomena described in detail are as follows: The evolution of the shock wave pressure built up by the impact of the pressure waves, one from the trailing edge; the separation of the flow as influenced by the shock wave; the location of the reversed flow, the separation point, and the reattachment point; and the transient (or unsteady) phenomena of the flow pulsation, oscillation, and stalling of the body and airfoil wake flow. The numerical results show that the transient flow instability is caused by a supersonic jet induced in the separation bubble by the shock-bifurcation (lambda shock) mechanism between the separation shock and the reflected shock. Pulsation and stall phenomena are caused by a sudden increase in the leading-edge pressure due to the jet and the separation bubble interacting along the stagnation point flow.

Yoshikawa, K. K.↗

A vectorized solution for incompressible flow

An algorithm is developed to obtain solutions to the unsteady Reynolds-averaged incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in general curvilinear coordinates on a vector processor. The governing equations are in nonconservative form with the velocity and pressure as dependent variables. Two momentum equations and the Poisson equation for pressure form a set of three governing equations for three flow field unknowns: u, v, and p. The governing equations and boundary conditions are expressed in terms of boundary-conforming curvilinear coordinates, and a checkerboard SOR iteration is used to solve the governing equations. Several possible sequences for a checkerboard SOR iteration are investigated for finding the best overall convergence rate. The efficiency and capability of the present algorithm was assessed using the example of an 18 percent thick NACA 66(3)018 airfoil at zero degree angle of attack for chord Reynolds number range 1000-40,000.

Patel, N. R.↗

Some physical and numerical aspects of computing the effects of viscosity on fluid flow

Some physical, analytical, and computational aspects of viscous flow are examined with reference to examples of computed flows. The discussion of the physical aspects covers the development of important scales used to reference flow phenomena in laminar and turbulent shear layers; the usefulness of the concepts of circulation and vorticity; and some relatively large-scale organized structures that have recently been identified in transitional and fully developed turbulent flows. Among the analytical aspects discussed are a compact presentation of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, the Reynolds-averaged form of these equations, and a simplified description of some forms of turbulent models. Finally, results of a simulation of the onset of transition, direct turbulence simulations, and large-eddy simulations are given.

Lomax, H.↗

Effect of turbulence models on criticality conditions in swirling flows

The critical state of vortex cores downstream of vortex breakdown has been studied. Base vortical flows were computed using the Reynolds-averaged, axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations. Standard K - epsilon, RNG and second-order Reynolds stress models were employed. Results indicate that the return to supercriticality is highly dependent on the turbulence model. The K - epsilon model predicted a rapid return of the vortex to supercritical conditions, the location of which showed little sensitivity to changes in the swirl ratio. The Reynolds stress model predicted that the vortex remains subcritical to the end of the domain for each of the swirl ratios employed, and provided results in qualitative agreement with experimental work. The RNG model produced intermediate results, with a downstream movement in the critical location with increasing swirl. Calculations for which area reductions were introduced at the exit in a subcritical flow were also performed using the Reynolds stress model. The structure of the resulting recirculation zone was altered significantly. However, when area reductions were employed within supercritical flows as predicted using the two-equation models, no significant influence on the recirculation zone was noted.

Gatski, Thomas B.↗

Laser velocimetry applied to transonic flow past airfoils

Measurements of turbulent Reynolds stresses and mean velocities obtained by laser velocimetry for cases of transonic shock-induced separation are presented. These results are compared with solutions of the Reynolds-averaged time-independent compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Insufficient agreement between predictions and experimental results is attributed to the deficiencies in the models for the turbulence Reynolds stresses.

Johnson, D. A.↗