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At least 37 records · Page 2

Spectral transition of multiscale turbulence in the tokamak pedestal

The transition in the turbulence spectrum from ion-scale dominated regimes to multiscale transport regimes that couple ion and electron scales is studied with gyrokinetic simulations of turbulent transport. The simulations are based on DIII-D high-confinement mode (H-mode) plasma parameters in the tokamak pedestal. The transition is initiated by varying the ion temperature gradient. To our knowledge, no full multiscale simulations of pedestal-like transport have been done previously. The experimental parameters lie in a bifurcation region between the two regimes. At long wavelengths, a complex, ion-direction hybrid mode is the dominant linearly unstable drift wave, while an electron temperature gradient-driven mode is unstable at short wavelengths. In the transition from the multiscale branch to the ion-scale branch, the magnitude of the ion-scale poloidal wavenumber spectrum of the nonlinear turbulent energy flux increases and the magnitude of the high-wavenumber spectrum decreases. Here, the decrease in the electron-scale transport is due to nonlinear mixing with ion-scale fluctuations and the ion-scale-driven zonal flows. A shift in the total energy associated with the fluctuating electrostatic potential intensity from dominantly drift kinetic energy in the multiscale regime to dominantly potential intensity in the ion-scale regime is well-correlated with the trend in the total energy flux.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Local correlation-based transition models for high-Reynolds-number wind-turbine airfoils

Abstract. Modern wind-turbine airfoil design requires robust performance predictions for varying thicknesses, shapes, and appropriate Reynolds numbers. The airfoils of current large offshore wind turbines operate with chord-based Reynolds numbers in the range of 3–15 million. Turbulence transition in the airfoil boundary layer is known to play an important role in the aerodynamics of these airfoils near the design operating point. While the lack of prediction of lift stall through Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is well known, airfoil design using CFD requires the accurate prediction of the glide ratio (L/D) in the linear portion of the lift polar. The prediction of the drag bucket and the glide ratio is greatly affected by the choice of the transition model in RANS CFD of airfoils. We present the performance of two existing local correlation-based transition models – one-equation model (γ− SA) and two-equation model (γ-Reθt‾- SA) coupled with the Spalart–Allmaras (SA) RANS turbulence model – for offshore wind-turbine airfoils operating at a high Reynolds number. We compare the predictions of the two transition models with available experimental and CFD data in the literature in the Reynolds number range of 3–15 million including the AVATAR project measurements of the DU00-W-212 airfoil. Both transition models predict a larger L/D compared to fully turbulent results at all Reynolds numbers. The two models exhibit similar behavior at Reynolds numbers around 3 million. However, at higher Reynolds numbers, the one-equation model fails to predict the natural transition behavior due to early transition onset. The two-equation transition model predicts the aerodynamic coefficients for airfoils of various thickness at higher Reynolds numbers up to 15 million more accurately compared to the one-equation model. As a result, the two-equation model predictions are more comparable to the predictions from eN transition model. However, a limitation of this model is observed at very high Reynolds numbers of around 12–15 million where the predictions are very sensitive to the inflow turbulent intensity. The combination of the two-equation transition model coupled with the Spalart–Allmaras (SA) RANS turbulence model is a good method for performance prediction of modern wind-turbine airfoils using CFD.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Molecular Viscosity and Diffusivity Effects in Transitional and Shock-Driven Mixing Flows

Here, this paper investigates the importance of molecular viscosity and diffusivity for the prediction of transitional and shock-driven mixing flows featuring high and low Reynolds and Mach number regions. Two representative problems are computed with implicit large-eddy simulations using the inviscid Euler equations (EE) and viscous Navier-Stokes equations (NSE): the Taylor-Green vortex at Reynolds number Re = 3000 and initial Mach number Ma = 0.28, and an air- SF 6 -air gas curtain subjected to two shock waves at Ma = 1.2. The primary focus is on differences between NSE and EE predictions due to viscous effects. The outcome of the paper illustrates the advantages of utilizing NSE. In contrast to the EE, where the effective viscosity decreases upon grid refinement, NSE predictions can be assessed for simulations of flows with transition to turbulence at prescribed constant Re. The NSE can achieve better agreement between solutions and reference data, and the results converge upon grid refinement. On the other hand, the EE predictions do not converge with grid refinement, and can only exhibit similarities with the NSE results at coarse grid resolutions. We also investigate the effect of viscous effects on the dynamics of the coherent and turbulent fields, as well as on the mechanisms contributing to the production and diffusion of vorticity. The results show that nominally inviscid calculations can exhibit significantly varying flow dynamics driven by changing effective resolution-dependent Reynolds number, and highlight the role of viscous processes affecting the vorticity field. These tendencies become more pronounced upon grid refinement. The discussion of the results concludes with the assessment of the computational cost of inviscid and viscous computations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Flow regime and Reynolds number variation effects on the mixing behavior of parallel flows

The hydraulic single-phase mixing of three parallel rectangular channels is experimentally investigated at various Reynolds numbers (Re) and flow regime combinations. Particle Image Velocimetry results for seven mixing cases are presented and discussed with varying Re combinations ranging from 1,824 to 20,844. While all cases result in the same Re ratio of ~0.69 between the inner and outer flows, two cases represent multi-regime mixing with the inner-outer regime pair of laminar-transitional and transitional-turbulent, while the other 5 cases are all characteristic of turbulent mixing with varying levels of turbulence. The outer channels initially share characteristics with a backward facing step. The center channel is found to initially behave like a slot jet, but then sees a significant increase in velocity decay. This inner flow velocity decay increased dramatically in the laminar-transitional mixing case, whose centerline velocity decay was ~6 times larger than the decay in the turbulent mixing cases. Second order statistics revealed a consistent mixing layer thickness of ~0.1 hydraulic diameters for all the cases but showed more intense shearing in the multi-regime mixing cases. The combined point and thereby the mixing layer length is determined using centerline velocity decay profiles, which show a much more aggressive mixing in multi-regime flows. Multi-regime mixing demonstrated superior characteristics relative to turbulent mixing due to a more dramatic velocity decay in the inner flow and a shorter mixing length. The contributions of this work include communicating the benefits of multi-regime mixing and providing detailed characterization efforts that can serve future efforts for validating computational models. Here this research also lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at achieving high levels of mixing without a severe penalty in pressure drop.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Nature of transonic sub-Alfvénic turbulence and density fluctuations in the near-Sun solar wind

Context. Recent Parker Solar Probe (PSP) measurements have revealed that solar wind (SW) turbulence transits from a subsonic to a transonic regime near the Sun, while remaining sub-Alfvénic. These observations call for a revision of the existing SW models, where turbulence is considered to be both subsonic and sub-Alfvénic. Aims. In this work, we introduce a new magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of transonic sub-Alfvénic turbulence (TsAT). Methods. We used 3D MHD simulations initialized with parameters measured by PSP to investigate the properties of the new near-Sun SW transonic turbulent regime. We then derived a reduced set of MHD equations in the transonic sub-Alfvénic limit to interpret our numerical results. Results. Our TsAT model shows that turbulence is effectively nearly incompressible (NI) and has a 2D + slab (quasi-2D) geometry not only in the subsonic limit, but also in the transonic regime, as long as it remains sub-Alfvénic, a condition essentially enforced everywhere in the heliosphere by the strong local magnetic field. These predictions are consistent with 3D MHD simulations, showing that transonic turbulence is dominated by low-frequency quasi-2D incompressible structures, while compressible fluctuations are a minor component corresponding to low-frequency slow modes and high-frequency fast modes. Conclusions. Our new TsAT model extends existing NI theories of turbulence, and is potentially relevant for the theoretical and numerical modeling of space and astrophysical plasmas, including the near-Sun SW, the solar corona, and the interstellar medium.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Investigation of countercurrent flow profile and liquid holdup in random packed column with local CFD data

Liquid holdup and mass transfer area are critical parameters used in packed column design and CO 2 capture efficiency prediction. Compared to experimental methods, 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can provide high-resolution data for studying countercurrent flow hydrodynamics in a packed column. In this paper, a framework was established for modeling the liquid–gas countercurrent flow in a random packed column with pall rings. Besides the column-averaged information, the radial pall ring distribution, velocity, and liquid holdup profiles are obtained in the simulations. The radial two-phase velocity and liquid holdup profiles show significant fluctuations caused by the non-uniform pall ring distribution. The entrance effect and wall influence are also observed in the packed column. By using local countercurrent flow information, the packing specific area $a_p$ and liquid velocity $u_L$ range are significantly expanded for liquid holdup hL prediction. This enables us to develop the liquid holdup correlation with one packing size and six CFD runs only. The proposed power law of the liquid holdup correlation $h_L~u_L^{0.44}$ indicates the random packed column falls in a viscous to turbulent transition regime with a Reynolds Number range of [6.7–40.2]. The derived liquid holdup correlation is in good agreement with existing correlations that are developed using the column-averaged experimental data.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) for heat pipes

Heat pipes are advanced passive thermal management devices that utilize phase change and capillary action to achieve efficient heat transfer. However, due to the complexity of the phenomena coupled in heat pipes, including capillary, phase change, turbulence, and compressibility effects, there are high uncertainties in the predictability of their operational regimes and performance. This PIRT exercise, conducted as a collaborative effort involving the Department of Energy (DOE) Microreactor Program (MRP), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and university partners systematically identifies, reviews, and prioritizes critical phenomena affecting the operation of heat pipes based on their importance and knowledge levels. Additional analyses and discussion are provided for phenomena with high importance and low knowledge, such as wick de-wetting, critical heat flux, contact angles, and pressure dynamics. The discussions included the recognizing challenges and proposing future research directions for both modeling and simulation and experimental efforts. Additionally, the report addresses phenomena with medium importance and low knowledge that could impact heat pipe operation during non-normal or transient operation, including frozen startup, laminar to turbulent transition, geyser boiling, wick priming, underfilling conditions, surface roughness of the wick, NCGs trapped in the wick, and the timescales of startup and shutdown. In conclusion, this comprehensive evaluation serves as a valuable resource for guiding future research and development efforts, supporting the successful integration of heat pipes into critical applications such as nuclear reactors, and contributing to the advancement of heat pipe technologies in safety-critical industries.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗

Cyclotron breaking: a mechanism for parallel ion cyclotron waves to heat the fast solar wind

The Parker Solar Probe mission has observed near-continuous power in parallel ion cyclotron waves (PICWs) in the young, fast solar wind. These waves are unlikely to be directly produced by the turbulent cascade and are likely born of a local instability; yet, they are observed to both cool – and heat – the plasma. We propose that these observations can be self-consistently explained as the natural consequence of PICWs propagating in the inhomogeneous solar wind after they have been driven unstable. In this work, we argue that strong proton heating by a turbulent cascade of oblique ICWs will result in PICWs being driven unstable in a process known as quasi-linear focusing. Because the power in the turbulent cascade is concentrated at scales above the turbulent transition region, PICWs will be driven unstable within a range of wavenumbers parallel to the background magnetic field, 𝑘 ∥ , that is bounded from above by 𝑘$^{∗}_{∥P}$, corresponding to the start of the transition region. As unstable PICWs propagate away from the Sun to regions of lower proton density, their 𝑘 ∥ , multiplied by the proton inertial length 𝑑 p , increases. Eventually, 𝑘$^{∗}_{∥P}$ of the PICWs becomes larger than 𝑘$^{∗}_{∥P}$⁢𝑑 p and the waves damp, heating the solar wind. We call this effect ‘cyclotron breaking’, in analogy with ocean waves breaking on the shore. We then discuss the testable predictions of the theory, including a distinct heating signature in which PICWs cool fast protons and heat slow protons at any given heliocentric distance 𝑟. Finally, we conjecture that cyclotron breaking can lead to net heating by PICWs if the power emitted as PICWs decreases sufficiently rapidly with 𝑟 that local emission of PICWs is overwhelmed by the local damping of PICWs generated closer to the Sun.

plasma heating↗

Experimental Study on the Effect of Localized Blockages on the Friction Factor of a 61-Pin Wire-Wrapped Bundle

Abstract The thermal-hydraulic behavior of the flow in rod bundles has motivated numerous experimental and computational investigations. Previous studies have identified potential for accumulation of debris within the small subchannels of typical wire-wrapped assemblies with subsequent total or partial blockage of subchannel coolant flow. A test campaign was conducted to study the effects of localized blockages on the bundle averaged friction factor of a tightly packed wire-wrapped rod bundle. Blockages were installed within the bundle, and fluid pressure drop was measured across one wire pitch for a Reynolds number range of 500–17,200. The Darcy–Weisbach friction factor of the perturbed rod bundle geometry was compared with that of the unblocked bundle, as well as with the predictions of a well-established friction factor correlation. Differing effects based on blockage size and location for various flow regimes were studied. A number of conclusions can be made about the effects of the blockages on the friction factor, such as an increasing effect of the blockage on friction factor with an increase in Reynolds number, a change in flow behavior in the turbulent transition flow regime near Reynolds number 3000, differences in effect on friction factor for different types of subchannel blockage, and a nonlinear trend in friction factor variation with flow area impeded for edge subchannels. To this end, all data and quantified uncertainty produced in this study are made available for comparison and validation of advanced computational tools.

Engineering↗

Numerical Simulations of Orographic Convection across Multiple Gray Zones

Idealized simulations are used to determine the sensitivity of moist orographic convection to horizontal grid spacing Δ h . In simulated mechanically (MECH) and thermally (THERM) forced convection over an isolated ridge, Δ h is varied systematically over both the deep-convection (Δ h ~ 10 –1 km) and turbulence (Δ h ~ 1 km–100 m) gray zones. To aid physical interpretation, a new parcel-based bulk entrainment/detrainment diagnosis for horizontally heterogeneous flows is developed. Within the deep-convection gray zone, the Δ h sensitivity is dominated by differences in parameterized versus explicit convection; the former initiates convection too far upstream of the ridge (MECH) and too early in the diurnal heating cycle (THERM). These errors stem in part from a large underprediction of parameterized entrainment and detrainment. Within the turbulence gray zone, sensitivities to Δh arise from the representation of both subcloud- and cloud-layer turbulence. As Δ h is decreased, MECH exhibits stronger cloud-layer entrainment to enhance the convective mass flux M co , while THERM exhibits stronger detrainment to suppress Mco and delay convection initiation. The latter is reinforced by increased subcloud turbulence at smaller Δ h , which leads to drying and diffusion of the central updraft responsible for initiating moist convection. Numerical convergence to a robust solution occurs only in THERM, which develops a fully turbulent flow with a resolved inertial subrange (for Δ h ≤ 250 m). In MECH, by contrast, turbulent transition occurs within the orographic cloud, the details of which depend on both physical location and Δ h .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

O 2 based resonantly ionized photoemission thermometry analysis of supersonic flows

Characterization of the thermal gradients within supersonic and hypersonic flows is essential for understanding transition, turbulence, and aerodynamic heating. Developments in novel, impactful non-intrusive techniques are key for enabling flow characterizations of sufficient detail that provide experimental validation datasets for computational simulations. In this work, Resonantly Ionized Photoemission Thermometry (RIPT) signals are directly imaged using an ICCD camera to realize the techniques 1D measurement capability for the first time. The direct imaging scheme presented for oxygen-based RIPT (O 2 RIPT) uses the previously established calibration data to direct excite various resonant rotational peaks within the S-branch of the C 3 Π, ( v = 2) ← X 3 Σ( v ′ = 0) absorption band of O 2 . The efficient ionization of O 2 liberates electrons that induce electron avalanche ionization of local N 2 molecules generating N 2 + , which primarily deexcites via photoemissions of the first negative band of N 2 + ( B 2 Σ <#comment/> u + − <#comment/> X 2 Σ <#comment/> g + ) . When sufficient lasing energy is used, the ionization region and subsequent photoemission signal is achieved along a 1D line thus, if directly imaged can allow for gas temperature assignments along said line; demonstrated here of up to five centimeters in length. The temperature gradients present within the ensuing shock train of a supersonic under expanded free jet serves as a basis of characterization for this new RIPT imaging scheme. The O 2 RIPT results are extensively compared and validated against well-known and established techniques (i.e., CARS and CFD). The direct imaging capability fully realizes the technique’s fundamental potential and is expected to be the standard of implementation going forward. The direct imaging capability can play instrumental roles in future scientific studies that rely upon acute characterization of thermal gradients within a medium that cannot be easily resolved by a point. Furthermore, the removal of the spectrometer greatly reduces the cost, complexity, and optical alignment associated with prior RIPT measurements.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Exploring the transition from continuous turbulence fluctuations to bursting ELMs in high SOL density regimes

BOUT++ turbulence simulations of the DIII-D reveal that the density profile between the separatrix and pedestal plays a crucial role in the dynamics of edge localized modes (ELMs) and edge plasma turbulent transport. Nonlinear simulations demonstrate that small ELMs in the DIII-D hybrid scenario under high SOL density conditions are predominantly driven by local ballooning modes near the separatrix, stabilizing global instabilities while enhancing localized pressure fluctuations. A key control parameters for ELM dynamics is the separatrix-to-pedestal density ratio, n e,sep /n e,ped . A high ratio indicates a shallow gradient, favoring small ELMs, while a lower ratio signals a steep gradient, which increases the likelihood of large ELMs. Comprehensive parameter scans, including n e,sep /n e,ped , density gradient profiles near the separatrix, and resistivity, reveal the critical role of these parameters in shaping transitions between turbulence-driven transport and ELM bursting. The scans demonstrate that in high SOL density regimes, small ELMs can result from either global resistive MHD instabilities or local ballooning modes near the separatrix, depending on the steepness of the separatrix density gradient. These findings also highlight the transition from continuous turbulence to small ELMs. The post-crash peak in pressure fluctuations, δP rms serves as a critical metric for identifying transition from continuous turbulence fluctuations to ELM bursting. Larger δP rms values correlate with ELM bursts driven by local or global instabilities, whereas smaller values indicate turbulence-dominated transport. Drift-Alfvén and resistive ballooning turbulence enhance the entrainment of fluctuations from the pedestal to the SOL, contributing to the complex interplay of dynamics in this regime. These findings emphasize the importance of separatrix density shaping and pedestal gradient control for optimizing ELM behavior in ITER and future fusion devices.

Li, Nami [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (↗

Identification of the weak-to-strong transition in Alfvénic turbulence from space plasma

Abstract Plasma turbulence is a ubiquitous dynamical process that transfers energy across many spatial and temporal scales in astrophysical and space plasma systems. Although the theory of anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence has successfully described natural phenomena, its core prediction of an Alfvénic transition from weak to strong MHD turbulence when energy cascades from large to small scales has not been observationally confirmed. Here we report evidence for the Alfvénic weak-to-strong transition in small-amplitude, turbulent MHD fluctuations in Earth’s magnetosheath using data from four Cluster spacecraft. Our observations demonstrate the universal existence of strong turbulence accompanied by weak turbulent fluctuations on large scales. Moreover, we find that the nonlinear interactions of MHD turbulence are crucial to the energy cascade, as they broaden the cascade directions and fluctuating frequencies. The observed connection between weak and strong MHD turbulence systems may be present in many astrophysical environments, such as star formation, energetic particle transport, turbulent dynamos, and solar corona or solar wind heating.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Identification of the weak-to-strong transition in Alfvénic turbulence from space plasma

Plasma turbulence is a ubiquitous dynamical process that transfers energy across many spatial and temporal scales in astrophysical and space plasma systems. Although the theory of anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence has successfully described natural phenomena, its core prediction of an Alfvénic transition from weak to strong MHD turbulence when energy cascades from large to small scales has not been observationally confirmed. Here we report evidence for the Alfvénic weak-to-strong transition in small-amplitude, turbulent MHD fluctuations in Earth’s magnetosheath using data from four Cluster spacecraft. Our observations demonstrate the universal existence of strong turbulence accompanied by weak turbulent fluctuations on large scales. Moreover, we find that the nonlinear interactions of MHD turbulence are crucial to the energy cascade, as they broaden the cascade directions and fluctuating frequencies. The observed connection between weak and strong MHD turbulence systems may be present in many astrophysical environments, such as star formation, energetic particle transport, turbulent dynamos, and solar corona or solar wind heating.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Evaluation of Spray and Combustion Models for Simulating Dilute Combustion in a Direct-Injection Spark-Ignition Engine

Dilute combustion in spark-ignition engines has the potential to improve thermal efficiency by mitigating knock and by reducing throttling and wall heat losses. However, ignition and combustion processes can become unstable for dilute operation due to a lowered laminar flame speed, resulting in excessive cycle-to-cycle variability (CCV) of the combustion process. To compensate for the slower combustion in less reactive mixtures, a modified intake port geometry can be employed to generate a strong tumble flow in the cylinder and elevate turbulence levels around the spark plug, thereby promoting a faster transition to turbulent deflagration. Consequently, optimizing combustion chamber geometry and operating strategy is crucial to maximizing the benefits of using dilute combustion with enhanced in-cylinder turbulence across a wide range of operating conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can be utilized for virtual engine optimization tasks, but this would require the models to be truly predictive regarding the impact of changes to the engine design and operational parameters.In this study, multicycle large-eddy simulations (LES) are performed for a direct-injection spark-ignition engine to investigate the model performance in predicting engine combustion characteristics with respect to changes in the intake configuration. A tumble plate that blocks the lower part of the intake port inlet is used to vary the tumble. A set of CFD models that have been recently developed are employed, which takes into account the drag of nonspherical droplets, flash-boiling behavior of liquid sprays, spray-wall interaction, surrogate formulation of a research-grade E10 gasoline, and fast chemical kinetic solvers. Simulation results are compared to experimental engine data in terms of cylinder pressure, apparent heat release rate, mass fraction burned timing, and flame images. It is found that LES employing the state-of-the-art CFD models are capable of properly predicting the spray processes and reproducing the measured mean cylinder pressure for the case with the tumble plate. On the other hand, the LES over-predicts the combustion rate during the early combustion stage and under-estimates the CCV, and these discrepancies become larger when the tumble plate is removed.

computational fluid dynamics simulation↗

Effect of the numerical discretization scheme in Shock-Driven turbulent mixing simulations

In this work, we evaluate the effects of distinct numerical strategies in simulations of shock-driven turbulent mixing. An air-SF 6 -air gas curtain subjected to Mach 1.2 shock-waves is computed with Implicit Large-Eddy Simulation based on three numerical schemes: directional-split with Harten-Lax-van Leer (HLL) solver; directional-unsplit using HLL-Contact (HLLC) solver; and directional-unsplit with HLLC solver and a Low Mach number Correction (LMC). The results illustrate the importance of the numerical strategy to the accuracy of the predictions. Whereas both split and unsplit schemes result in a similar spatial development of the initial shock-driven instability, only the unsplit schemes can predict the turbulent mixing transition after reshock observed by the laboratory experiments. Such feature increases the mixing rate of the two fluids, this being particularly pronounced when the LMC is active due to i) the reduced flow Mach number, and ii) the larger effective Reynolds number. Since the selected mixing problem is driven by the deposition of vorticity at the fluids’ interface, the resultant flow physics is analyzed by investigating the contribution of distinct inviscid mechanisms to the production of vorticity: baroclinicity, stretching, and dilatation. As expected, it is observed that the production of vorticity is initially dominated by the baroclinicity mechanism. Yet, the relevance of the remainder mechanisms is enhanced after the reshock and may even surpass the baroclinicity term.

42 ENGINEERING↗