Modeling Transition for the Cylinder Flow With Verification and Validation

Abstract

The widespread use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for engineering applications is certainly positive. However, users must also be aware of the physics of the problems being modeled, as well as the shortcomings of turbulence models in use. New state-of-the-art turbulence models are currently being developed with the aim of enhancing the turbulent flow predictions but the laminar-turbulent transition is still out of the scope of most the models. Bearing upon those ideas, this paper investigates the performance of the Local Correlation Transition Model (LCTM) for the cylinder flow with Solution Verification and Validation at high Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, attention is paid to characteristics of the setup, numerics and physical conditions and we study how these features alter the results. We also bring recommendations on the use of the transition model regarding grid, setup and physical conditions. The results show much better comparison of numerical and experimental results regarding drag coefficients than seen with the SST turbulence model, even with the two-dimensional calculations done herein.