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At least 145 records · Page 8

Numerical simulation of axisymmetric turbulent flow in combustors and diffusors

A method for predicting turbulent flow in combustors and diffusers is developed. The Navier-Stokes equations, incorporating a turbulence kappa-epsilon model equation, were solved in a nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. The solution applied the finite volume method to discretize the differential equations and utilized the SIMPLE algorithm iteratively to solve the differenced equations. A zonal grid method, wherein the flow field was divided into several subsections, was developed. This approach permitted different computational schemes to be used in the various zones. In addition, grid generation was made a more simple task. However, treatment of the zonal boundaries required special handling. Boundary overlap and interpolating techniques were used and an adjustment of the flow variables was required to assure conservation of mass, momentum and energy fluxes. The numerical accuracy was assessed using different finite differencing methods, i.e., hybrid, quadratic upwind and skew upwind, to represent the convection terms. Flows in different geometries of combustors and diffusers were simulated and results compared with experimental data and good agreement was obtained.

Yung, Chain Nan↗

Numerical simulation of axisymmetric turbulent flow in combustors and diffusers

Numerical studies of turbulent flow in an axisymmetric 45-deg-expansion combustor and bifurcated diffuser are presented. The Navier-Stokes equations incorporating a k-epsilon model were solved in a nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. A zonal-grid method, where the flow field was divided into several subsections, was developed. This approach permitted different computational schemes to be used in the various zones. In addition, grid generation was made a more simple task. Boundary overlap and interpolating techniques were used, and an adjustment of the flow variables was required to assure conservation of mass flux. Three finite-differencing methods (hybrid, quadratic upwind, and skew upwind) were used to represent the convection terms. Results were compared with existing experimental data. In general, good agreement between predicted and measured values was obtained.

Yung, Chain-Nan↗

Wall-layer eruptions in turbulent flows

The near-wall region of a turbulent flow is investigated in the limit of large Reynolds numbers. When low-speed streaks are present, the governing equations are shown to be of the boundary-layer type. Physical processes leading to local breakdown and a strong interaction with the outer region are considered. It is argued that convected vortices, predominantly of the hairpin type, will provoke eruptions and regenerative interactions with the outer region.

Walker, J. D. A.↗

Computational and experimental study of turbulent flows in 180 degree bends

A theoretical and experimental investigation of turbulent flows inside a 180-deg strongly curved channel is included in the present study. A 10 by 100 centimeter water channel with a 10 centimeter radius turn was employed for the experimental study. Data measured are velocity profiles and distributions of longitudinal turbulence intensity. Numerical investigations are performed by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and turbulence models using a finite difference flow solver in generalized curvilinear coordinate systems. A widely used two-equation turbulence model and its modified version, which includes the effect of strong curvature on the turbulence length scale through a relation of algebraic Reynolds stress model, are employed to predict the turbulence quantities inside the flow field. Improvements on the predictions are obtained using the present approach.

Chen, Y. S.↗

Calculation of confined gas-particle two-phase turbulent flows

Numerical calculations have been carried out for gas-particle confined turbulent flows using a recently developed two-phase turbulence closure model. The present modeling scheme utilizes Eulerian formulations of the transport equations and accounts for the combined effects of interphase slip and turbulent dispersion of particles. A multiple-scale turbulence model is used for the turbulent field modeling of the underlying fluid flow. For the particle size and particle loading considered in this study, the fluid turbulence transport equations must be modified to include the damping effects of particles. Predictions and comparisons are made in the fully developed gas-solid pipe flow and the confined particle-laden jet. Numerical results are in reasonably good agreement with the published experimental information.

Chen, C. P.↗

Premixed turbulent flame blowoff velocity correlation based on coherent structures in turbulent flows

A correlation for the blowoff velocity of premixed turbulent flames stabilized by bluff bodies is devloped using a simple model for coherent structures in turbulent flows. The correlation shows the correct trends for variations in equivalence ratio, free stream pressure and temperature, flameholder characteristic size, and turbulent Reynolds number, and good agreement with published experimental data is obtained.

Radhakrishnan, K.↗

Turbulent Flow In A Circular-To-Rectangular Transition Duct

NASA technical memorandum describes experiments and analysis of experimental data pertaining to subsonic, turbulent flow of air in duct that includes gradual transition from circular cross section at inlet to rectangular cross section at outlet. Study intended to support further research on physics of flow, by providing comprehensive set of data for calibration and verification of computer codes for simulation of transition-duct flows and mathematical models of turbulence in flows in which effects of curvature of streamlines important.

Davis, David O.↗

Jet vortex generators for turbulent flow separation control

A parametric study was performed with jet vortex generators to determine their effectiveness in controlling flow separation associated with low speed turbulent flow over a two dimensional rearward-facing ramp. Results indicate that flow separation control can be accomplished with the level of control achieved being a function of jet speed, jet orientation (with respect to the free stream direction), and orifice pattern (double row of jets vs. single row). Compared to slot blowing, jet vortex generators can provide an equivalent level of flow control over a larger spanwise region (for constant jet flow area and speed).

Selby, Gregory↗

Turbulent flow in a channel with transverse rib heat transfer augmentation

Turbulent flow in a 2D channel with repeated rectangular rib roughness was numerically simulated using a low Reynolds number form of the k-epsilon turbulence model. Friction factors and average Stanton numbers were calculated for various pitch to rib height ratios and bulk Reynolds numbers. Comparisons with experiment were generally adequate, with the predictions of friction superior to those for heat transfer. The effect of variable properties for channel flow was investigated, and the results showed a greater effect for friction than for heat transfer. Comparison with experiment yielded no clear conclusions. The turbulence model was also validated for a related problem, that of flow downstream of an abrupt pipe expansion.

Chang, B. H.↗

Measurements of droplet drag coefficients in a polydispersed turbulent flow field

Measurements of drag coefficient versus Reynolds number were obtained in a polydispersed turbulent flow field for three turbulence velocities and for freestream turbulence intensities between 3 and 12 percent. Results are presented for a single nozzle with low number density and a twin nozzle with higher number density. The results for drops smaller than 30 microns showed strong differences from existing low turbulence results. The drag relation was found to be weakly affected by the freestream velocity and to be strongly affected by the velocity fluctuation levels of individual size classes. A drag effect with the drop-drop interaction may also be possible.

Rudoff, R. C.↗

Grid Convergence for Turbulent Flows(Invited)

A detailed grid convergence study has been conducted to establish accurate reference solutions corresponding to the one-equation linear eddy-viscosity Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model for two dimensional turbulent flows around the NACA 0012 airfoil and a flat plate. The study involved three widely used codes, CFL3D (NASA), FUN3D (NASA), and TAU (DLR), and families of uniformly refined structured grids that differ in the grid density patterns. Solutions computed by different codes on different grid families appear to converge to the same continuous limit, but exhibit different convergence characteristics. The grid resolution in the vicinity of geometric singularities, such as a sharp trailing edge, is found to be the major factor affecting accuracy and convergence of discrete solutions, more prominent than differences in discretization schemes and/or grid elements. The results reported for these relatively simple turbulent flows demonstrate that CFL3D, FUN3D, and TAU solutions are very accurate on the finest grids used in the study, but even those grids are not sufficient to conclusively establish an asymptotic convergence order.

Diskin, Boris↗

A study of turbulent flow between parallel plates by a statistical method

Turbulent Couette flow between parallel plates was studied from a statistical mechanics approach utilizing a model equation, similar to the Boltzmann equation of kinetic theory, which was proposed by Lundgren from the velocity distribution of fluid elements. Solutions to this equation are obtained numerically, employing the discrete ordinate method and finite differences. Two types of boundary conditions on the distribution function are considered, and the results of the calculations are compared to available experimental data. The research establishes that Lundgren's equation provides a very good description of turbulence for the flow situation considered and that it offers an analytical tool for further study of more complex turbulent flows. The present work also indicates that modelling of the boundary conditions is an area where further study is required.

Srinivasan, R.↗

Computational simulation of turbulent flow in Space Shuttle Main Engine turnaround ducts

Two axisymmetric 180-deg turnaround ducts are used in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) to connnect the preburners with the main thrust chamber. The prediction of the flow field and heat transfer within the turnaround ducts is important to minimize the pressure drops, size of recirculation and stagnation zones, local overheating, etc. This paper presents the computational approach and selected results for the turbulent flow in the turnaround ducts of the fuel and oxidizer sides of the SSME. The time-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations for the viscous, compressible, turbulent flow are solved in body-fitted-coordinates by using a finite-volume approach. Two turbulence models, viz: the k-epsilon model and a multiple scale turbulence model, are used to examine the sensitivity of calculated flows. Both models produce almost identical solutions for the fuelside turnaround duct (which has no recirculation region). However, for the oxidizer-side duct which has a large recirculation region, the two models show quite different results.

Przekwas, Andrzej J.↗

Noise radiation from turbulent flows over compliant surfaces

The present study is based on Lighthill-Curle's theory of aerodynamic noise. Using a correlation approach and the image concept of Powell, the volume contribution of turbulent flow over a large surface is approximated by a surface contribution of pressure fluctuations. Far-field noise intensities are expressed in terms of the surface pressure fluctuations and surface impedance. Based on available experimental measurements, numerical examples are performed for noise radiated from a turbulent boundary layer and from a normal jet impingement over rigid surfaces. Comparisons with available noise measurements are made. For general turbulent flows over compliant surfaces, measurements are suggested to obtain useful data for noise predictions.

Pan, Y. S.↗