Jet noise computation based on enhanced DES formulations accelerating the RANS-to-LES transition in free shear layers

Abstract

The paper presents jet noise computations performed using the original and some recently proposed modified formulations of detached-eddy simulation, based on alternative definitions of the subgrid length-scale and/or a modified version of the subgrid Spalart-Allmaras model, which involves the Wall-Adapting Local Eddy-viscosity model. The modifications are aimed at the elimination or, at least, a significant weakening of a known flaw of detached-eddy simulation, namely, the severe delay of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and transition from fully modeled to mostly resolved turbulence in the free and separated shear layers. This flaw makes the original detached-eddy simulation formulation, in fact, non-applicable to the prediction of the noise of high Reynolds number jet flows when typical grids are used, and has led to the use of Implicit Large-Eddy Simulation instead. Based on examples of application of these modifications to such flows, already available in the literature, they were found capable of resolving the issue and providing quite accurate predictions of the aerodynamic characteristics and turbulent statistics of the high-Re jets. The study performed in the present work allows us to draw a similar conclusion regarding the accuracy of the enhanced detached-eddy simulation formulations in terms of jet-noise prediction. The new formulation gives noise results very close to those of ILES except at the highest frequencies, while being more general and less sensitive to grid resolution. In addition, it removes a (1–3) dB underestimation of the noise spectral maximums for the peak radiation direction, which is typical of ILES on fine grids.