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At least 127 records · Page 7

Calculations of turbulent mass transport in a bluff-body diffusion-flame combustor

Experimental measurements of turbulent mass transit in a bluff-body diffusion-flame combustor (using CO2 instead of fuel) are analyzed to evaluate the accuracy of physical models used in flow computations. The data of Lightman and Magill (1981), Lightman et al. (1983), and Roquemore et al. (1983) are used to calculate apparent turbulent Schmidt numbers (TSN) for a series of flow conditions by a modified TEACH viscous-flow code. The modeling principles, calculation grid, and boundary conditions are discussed, and the results are presented in graphs comparing calculated and measured values. It is shown that models such as the two-equation (K - epsilon) model which use a single value of the TSN are inappropriate for conditions typical of gas-turbine combustors: local TSN variations due to turbulence behavior must be taken into account in improved models.

Sturgess, G. J.↗

Navier-Stokes calculation of solid-propellant rocket motor internal flowfields

A comprehensive numerical analysis has been carried out to study the detailed physical and chemical processes involved in the combustion of homogeneous propellant in a rocket motor. The formulation is based on the time-dependent full Navier-Stokes equations, with special attention devoted to the chemical reactions in both gas and condensed phases. The turbulence closure is achieved using both the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model and a modified k-epsilon two-equation scheme with a low Reynolds number and near-wall treatment. The effects of variable thermodynamic and transport properties are also included. The system of governing equations are solved using a multi-stage Runge-Kutta shceme with the source terms treated implicitly. Preliminary results clearly demonstrate the presence of various combustion regimes in the vicinity of propellant surface. The effects of propellant combustion on the motor internal flowfields are investigated in detail.

Hsieh, Kwang-Chung↗

On the modeling of low-Reynolds-number turbulence

A full Reynolds-stress closure that is capable of describing the flow all the way to the wall was formulated for turbulent flow through circular pipe. Since viscosity does not appear explicitly in the pressure redistribution terms, conventional high-number models for these terms are found to be applicable. However, the models for turbulent diffusion and viscous dissipation have to be modified to account for viscous diffusion near a wall. Two redistribution and two diffusion models are investigated for their effects on the model calculations. Wall correction to pressure redistribution modeling is also examined. Diffusion effects on calculated turbulent properties are further investigated by simplifying the transport equations to algebraic equations for Reynolds stress. Two approximations are explored. These are the equilibrium and nonequilibrium turbulence assumptions. Finally, the two-equation closure is also used to calculate the flow in question and the results compared with all the other model calculations. Fully developed pipe flows at two moderate Reynolds numbers are used to validate these model calculations.

So, R. M. C.↗

Time-History Statistics of Soot Formation in A Model Gas Turbine Combustor

Soot formation is a complex dynamic and intermittent process determined by properties of the fuel, combustor design, and combustor operation. Although the major steps in soot formation (i.e., formation of precursors, inception, growth and evolution) are similar for a variety of carbonaceous fuels, applications, and operating conditions, it remains unclear when the temporal transition between these steps occurs. An engineering prediction tool coupled with computational fluid physics (CFD), therefore needs to accurately model all these complex steps. To develop such a model, we propose the time-history concept for understanding the time dependency of soot formation as a function of local properties (i.e., temperature, velocity, local fuel air ratio, etc.). We continue our previous work with modeling the DLR aero-combustor [1] with our updated in-house CFD code, Open National Combustion Code (OpenNCC), that now includes a Multiple Time-Scale Flamelet Progress Variable approach and a the semi-empirical two-equation soot model. We injected massless tracer particles upstream of the injector region of the combustor to collect time-history statistics of the solution variables. The correlations between the collected statistics with respect to the experimental soot volume fraction data showed that time-history effect of certain flow variables, including turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and multiple species is indeed important for soot formation. We then conducted a time-history based correlation analysis to determine the key species and the concentration ranges critical for soot formation (C6H5-based nucleation, acetylene-based surface growth, and oxidation with OH and O2). Based on the time-history correlation coefficient (THCC) analysis, we propose possible modifications to improve the current two-equation model.

LES↗

An explicit Runge-Kutta method for turbulent reacting flow calculations

The paper presents a numerical method for the solution of the conservation equations governing steady, reacting, turbulent viscous flow in two-dimensional geometries, in both Cartesian and axisymmetric coordinates. These equations are written in Favre-averaged form and closed with a first order model. A two-equation K-epsilon model, where low Reynolds number and compressibility effects are included, and a modified eddy-break up model are used to simulate fluid mechanics turbulence, chemistry and turbulence-combustion interaction. The solution is obtained by using a pseudo-unsteady method with improved perturbation propagation properties. The equations are discretized in space by using a finite volume formulation. An explicit multi-stage dissipative Runge-Kutta algorithm is then used to advance the flow equations in the pseudo-time. The method is applied to the computation of both diffusion and premixed turbulent reacting flows. The computed temperature distributions compare favorably with experimental data.

Boretti, A. A.↗

Simulation and modeling of homogeneous, compressed turbulence

Low Reynolds number homogeneous turbulence undergoing low Mach number isotropic and one-dimensional compression was simulated by numerically solving the Navier-Stokes equations. The numerical simulations were performed on a CYBER 205 computer using a 64 x 64 x 64 mesh. A spectral method was used for spatial differencing and the second-order Runge-Kutta method for time advancement. A variety of statistical information was extracted from the computed flow fields. These include three-dimensional energy and dissipation spectra, two-point velocity correlations, one-dimensional energy spectra, turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate, integral length scales, Taylor microscales, and Kolmogorov length scale. Results from the simulated flow fields were used to test one-point closure, two-equation models. A new one-point-closure, three-equation turbulence model which accounts for the effect of compression is proposed. The new model accurately calculates four types of flows (isotropic decay, isotropic compression, one-dimensional compression, and axisymmetric expansion flows) for a wide range of strain rates.

Wu, C. T.↗

Computations of internal turbulent flow with large separated flow regions

An implicit two-equation turbulence solver in generalized coordinates has been developed and is used in conjunction with the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes solver, INS3D, to calculate the internal flow in one channel and in an additional channel with a sudden 2:3 expansion. A new and consistent boundary procedure for a low Reynolds number form of the kappa-epsilon turbulence model is chosen to integrate the equations up to the wall. The high Reynolds number form of the equations are integrated using wall functions. The latter approach yields a faster convergence to the steady state solution than the former. For the case of channel flow, both the wall function and wall boundary condition approaches yield results in good agreement with the experimental data. the back-step (sudden expansion) flow is calculated using wall function approach. The predictions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.

Kaul, U. K.↗

A one equation turbulence model for transonic airfoil flows

A one-equation turbulence model has been developed from available experimental observations on both attached and separated turbulence flows, and numerical results are presented for flows about NACA 0012 and RAE 2822 airfoils. The model is shown to duplicate the accurate results of the Baldwin-Lomax (1978) algebraic model for the case of attached flow. For cases of separated flow, the model is found to predict shock location and strength closer to the experimentally observed values than both the algebraic and the q-omega two-equation models.

Mitcheltree, R. A.↗

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.↗

The CMC:3DPNS computer program for prediction of three-dimensional, subsonic, turbulent aerodynamic juncture region flow. Volume 1: Theoretical

An order-of-magnitude analysis of the subsonic three dimensional steady time averaged Navier-Stokes equations, for semibounded aerodynamic juncture geometries, yields the parabolic Navier-Stokes simplification. The numerical solution of the resultant pressure Poisson equation is cast into complementary and particular parts, yielding an iterative interaction algorithm with an exterior three dimensional potential flow solution. A parabolic transverse momentum equation set is constructed, wherein robust enforcement of first order continuity effects is accomplished using a penalty differential constraint concept within a finite element solution algorithm. A Reynolds stress constitutive equation, with low turbulence Reynolds number wall functions, is employed for closure, using parabolic forms of the two-equation turbulent kinetic energy-dissipation equation system. Numerical results document accuracy, convergence, and utility of the developed finite element algorithm, and the CMC:3DPNS computer code applied to an idealized wing-body juncture region. Additional results document accuracy aspects of the algorithm turbulence closure model.

Baker, A. J.↗

Turbulence modeling methods for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations

Turbulence modeling methods for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, including several zero- and two-equation eddy-viscosity models, are described and applied. Advantages and disadvantages of the models are discussed with respect to mathematical simplicity, conformity with physical theory, and numerical compatibility with methods. A new two-equation model is introduced which shows advantages over other two-equation models with regard to numerical compatibility and the ability to predict low-Reynolds-number transitional phenomena. Calculations of various transonic airfoil flows are compared with experimental results. A new implicit upwind-differencing method is used which enhances numerical stability and accuracy, and leads to rapidly convergent steady-state solutions.

Coakley, T. J.↗

A new turbulence closure model for boundary layer flows with strong adverse pressure gradients and separation

A new turbulence closure model designed specifically to treat two-dimensional, turbulent boundary layers with strong adverse pressure gradients and attendant separation, is presented. The influence of history effects are modeled by using an ordinary differential equation (ODE) derived from the turbulence kinetic-energy equation, to describe the streamwise development of the maximum Reynolds shear stress in conjunction with an assumed eddy-viscosity distribution which has as its velocity scale the maximum Reynolds shear stress. In the outer part of the boundary layer, the eddy viscosity is treated as a free parameter which is adjusted in order to satisfy the ODE for the maximum shear stress. Because of this, the model s not simply an eddy-viscosity model, but contains features of a Reynolds-stress model. Comparisons with experiments are presented which clearly show the proposed model to be superior to the Cebeci-Smith model in treating strongly retarded and separated flows. In contrast to two-equation, eddy-viscosity models, it requires only slightly more computational effort than simple models like the Cebeci-Smith model.

Johnson, D. A.↗

Turbulence modelling for complex shear flows

The turbulence models available for the prediction of complex turbulent shear layers are reviewed in this paper, concentrating mainly on three-dimensional flows, flows subjected to curvature and body rotation, separated flows, and vortex flows. A critical review of zero-equation, one-equation, two-equation, algebraic Reynolds stress, and full Reynolds stress models are carried out, with a specific emphasis on their applicability to complex flows. It is concluded that algebraic eddy viscosity models and kappa-epsilon/kappa-omega models, with a constant value of coefficients, are not adequate for complex flows. The models which include a description of stresses, either through an algebraic Reynolds stress model or a full Reynolds stress model, are essential for adequate prediction of these flows. It is recommended that systematic experimental investigations be carried out to isolate various complex interactions in order to understand and model the various effects and to carry out an extension of the present models to include complex flows.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗

Numerical simulation of viscous transonic airfoil flows

Numerical simulations of transonic airfoil flows using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and various turbulence models are presented and compared with experimental data. Three different airfoils were investigated under varying flow conditions ranging from subcritical unseparated flows to supercritical separated flows. The turbulence models investigated consisted of three zero-equation models and one two-equation model. For unseparated flows involving weak viscous-inviscid interactions, the four models were comparable in their agreement with experiment. For separated flows involving strong viscous-inviscid interactions, the nonequilibrium zero-equation model of Johnson and King gave the best overall agreement with experiment.

Coakley, Thomas J.↗

Computational Fluid Mechanics

A one-equation turbulence model based on the turbulent kinetic energy equation is presented. The model is motivated by the success of the Johnson-King model and incorporates a number of features uncovered by Simpson's experiments on separated flows. Based on the results obtained, the model duplicates the success of algebraic models in attached flow regions and outperforms the two-equation models in detached flow regions.

Hassan, H. A.↗

Velocity-coupled flow oscillations in a simulated solid-propellant rocket environment

A comprehensive numerical analysis has been carried out to study the unsteady flowfields in a simulated rocket-motor environment. The model is based on the time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations with a two-equation turbulence closure scheme. Various important aspects of the coupling between acoustic oscillations and mean flowfields, including flow reversal, modification of transport properties, etc., are addressed. Results indicate that multi-dimensional effects play important roles in determining local flow structures and wave characteristics. In much of the domain, acoustic velocity nodal points are observed in the near-wall region. The classical one-dimensional theory fails to describe several important mechanisms associated with velocity-induced flow instabilities.

Yang, Vigor↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary layer flows, shock wave boundary layer interactions and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary layer flows, shock wave boundary layer interactions and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗