Introducing the Rankine vortex method for drag reduction in wall-bounded turbulent flows at low Reynolds number through streamwise vortex manipulation

Abstract

It is well known that the near-wall streamwise vortices, together with the streaks, are the most important turbulent structures closely associated with drag reduction. Weakening or modifying the streamwise vortices are, thus, general approaches in near-wall turbulent control studies. In this study, a novel approach to manipulate the flow is introduced and applied to a turbulent channel flow in order to achieve drag reduction. The idea behind the “Rankine vortex method” is to generate a force based on the statistical and geometrical information of streamwise vortices. Direct numerical simulations of a turbulent channel flow at a frictional Reynolds number, Reτ, of 180 (based on the driving pressure gradient and channel half-width) are performed. The force is applied in the vicinity of the lower wall of the channel, and the results are comparatively analyzed for the cases with and without force implemented. A drag reduction of 10% is achieved. The theoretical flow control approach presented, along with the associated analysis, has the potential to enhance our current understanding of flow control mechanisms through the manipulation of near-wall turbulence.