Large eddy simulation (2D) of spatially developing mixing layer using vortex-in-cell for flow field and filtered probability density function for scalar field

Abstract

A large eddy simulation based on filtered vorticity transport equation has been coupled with filtered probability density function transport equation for scalar field, to predict the velocity and passive scalar fields. The filtered vorticity transport has been formulated using diffusion-velocity method and then solved using the vortex method. The methodology has been tested on a spatially growing mixing layer using the two-dimensional vortex-in-cell method in conjunction with both Smagorinsky and dynamic eddy viscosity subgrid scale models for an anisotropic flow. The transport equation for filtered probability density function is solved using the Lagrangian Monte-Carlo method. The unresolved subgrid scale convective term in filtered density function transport is modelled using the gradient diffusion model. The unresolved subgrid scale mixing term is modelled using the modified Curl model. The effects of subgrid scale models on the vorticity contours, mean streamwise velocity profiles, root-mean-square velocity and vorticity fluctuations profiles and negative cross-stream correlations are discussed. Also the characteristics of the passive scalar, i.e. mean concentration profiles, root-mean-square concentration fluctuations profiles and filtered probability density function are presented and compared with previous experimental and numerical works. The sensitivity of the results to the Schmidt number, constant in mixing frequency and inflow boundary conditions are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.