Boundary Layer Transition Process Research Articles

Conjugate heat transfer investigations of turbine vane based on transition models

The accurate simulation of boundary layer transition process plays a very important role in the prediction of turbine blade temperature field. Based on the Abu-Ghannam and Shaw (AGS) and γ-Reθ transition models, a 3D conjugate heat transfer solver is developed, where the fluid domain is discretized by multi-block structured grids, and the solid domain is discretized by unstructured grids. At the unmatched fluid/solid interface, the shape function interpolation method is adopted to ensure the conservation of the interfacial heat flux. Then the shear stress transport (SST) model, SST & AGS model and SST &γ-Reθ model are used to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of Mark II turbine vane. The results indicate that compared with the full turbulence model (SST model), the transition models could improve the prediction accuracy of temperature and heat transfer coefficient at the laminar zone near the blade leading edge. Compared with the AGS transition model, the γ-Reθ model could predict the transition onset location induced by shock/boundary layer interaction more accurately, and the prediction accuracy of temperature field could be greatly improved.

Scramjet Flow and Intake SBLI: Technical Challenges and Case Study

This paper reviews some basic research areas associated with Scramjet-powered hypersonic flying vehicle, particularly the forebody boundary-layer transition and intake shock-wave boundary-layer interactions (SBLI). Some technical and physical challenges in aerodynamics, aero-thermodynamics, aero-design are visited with focuses being placed on hypersonic boundary-layer transition process and its underlying physical mechanics, feasible physics-based engineering transition prediction methods, and physics-based modelling of shock-shock, shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions of Scramjet flows. Experimental, analytical and numerical studies of previously relevant studies have also been summarized with a total of twelve transition/intake configurations that can be used as benchmarks for validating physical model development and numerical simulation tools. A case study of Scramjet intake SBLI has been carried out by using computational fluid dynamics approach to understand shock induced flow separation and its consequent influences on combustion performance, along with research perspectives discussed accordingly.

187 可視化手法による航空エンジン用低圧タービン翼面境界層の乱流遷移の観察 : 主流乱れの影響(学生賞IV,一般講演)

187 可視化手法による航空エンジン用低圧タービン翼面境界層の乱流遷移の観察 : 主流乱れの影響(学生賞IV,一般講演)

The Effects of a Tripped Turbulent Boundary Layer on Vortex Shedding from a Blunt Trailing Edge Hydrofoil

Experiments on vortex shedding from a blunt trailing edge symmetric hydrofoil operating at zero angle of attack in a uniform high speed flow, Reh=16.1·103-96.6·103, where the reference length h is the trailing edge thickness, are reported. The effects of a tripped turbulent boundary layer on the wake characteristics are analyzed and compared with the condition of a natural turbulent transition. The foil surface is hydraulically smooth and a fully effective boundary layer tripping at the leading edge is achieved with the help of a distributed roughness. The vortex shedding process is found to be strongly influenced by the boundary layer development: the tripped turbulent transition promotes the re-establishment of organized vortex shedding. In the context of the tripped transition and in comparison with the natural one, significant increases in the vortex span-wise organization, the vortex-induced hydrofoil vibration, the wake velocity fluctuations, and the vortex strength are revealed. Although the vortex shedding frequency is decreased, a modified Strouhal number based on the wake width at the end of the vortex formation region is constant and evidences the similarity of the wakes in terms of spatial distribution for the two considered boundary layer transition processes.

Unsteady boundary-layer transition in low-pressure turbines

This paper examines the transition process in a boundary layer similar to that present over the suction surfaces of aero-engine low-pressure (LP) turbine blades. This transition process is of significant practical interest since the behaviour of this boundary layer largely determines the overall efficiency of the LP turbine. Modern ‘high-lift’ blade designs typically feature a closed laminar separation bubble on the aft portion of the suction surface. The size of this bubble and hence the inefficiency it generates is controlled by the transition between laminar and turbulent flow in the boundary layer and separated shear layer. The transition process is complicated by the inherent unsteadiness of the multi-stage machine: the wakes shed by one blade row convect through the downstream blade passages, periodically disturbing the boundary layers. As a consequence, the transition to turbulence is multi-modal by nature, being promoted by periodic and turbulent fluctuations in the free stream and the inherent instabilities of the boundary layer. Despite many studies examining the flow behaviour, the detailed physics of the unsteady transition phenomena are not yet fully understood. The boundary-layer transition process has been studied experimentally on a flat plate. The opposing test-section wall was curved to impose a streamwise pressure distribution typical of modern high-lift LP turbines over the flat plate. The presence of an upstream blade row has been simulated by a set of moving bars, which shed wakes across the test section inlet. Further upstream, a grid has been installed to elevate the free-stream turbulence to a level believed to be representative of multi-stage LP turbines. Extensive particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been performed on the flat-plate boundary layer to examine the flow behaviour. In the absence of the incoming bar wakes, the grid-generated free-stream turbulence induces relatively weak Klebanoff streaks in the boundary layer which are evident as streamwise streaks of low-velocity fluid. Transition is promoted by the streaks and by the inherent inflectional (Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH)) instability of the separation bubble. In unsteady flow, the incoming bar wakes generate stronger Klebanoff streaks as they pass over the leading edge, which convect downstream at a fraction of the free-stream velocity and spread in the streamwise direction. The region of amplified streaks convects in a similar manner to a classical turbulent spot: the leading and trailing edges travel at around 88% and 50% of the free-stream velocity, respectively. The strongest disturbances travel at around 70% of the free-stream velocity. The wakes induce a second type of disturbance as they pass over the separation bubble, in the form of short-span KH structures. Both the streaks and the KH structures contribute to the early wake-induced transition. The KH structures are similar to those observed in the simulation of separated flow transition with high free-stream turbulence by McAuliffe & Yaras (ASME J. Turbomach., vol. 132, no. 1, 2010, 011004), who observed that these structures originated from localised instabilities of the shear layer induced by Klebanoff streaks. In the current measurements, KH structures are frequently observed directly under the path of the wake. The wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks cannot affect the generation of these structures since they do not arrive at the bubble until later in the wake cycle. Rather, the KH structures arise from an interaction between the flow disturbances in the wake and localised instabilities in the shear layer, which are caused by the weak Klebanoff streaks induced by the grid turbulence. The breakdown of the KH structures to small-scale turbulence occurs a short time after the wake has passed over the bubble, and is largely driven by the arrival of the wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks from the leading edge. During this process, the re-attachment location moves rapidly upstream. The minimum length of the bubble occurs when the strongest wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks arrive from the leading edge; these structures travel at around 70% of the free-stream velocity. The bubble remains shorter than its steady-flow length until the trailing edge of the wake-amplified Klebanoff streaks, travelling at 50% of the free-stream velocity, convect past. After this time, the reattachment location moves aft on the surface as a consequence of a calmed flow region which follows behind the wake-induced turbulence.

211 境界層遷移過程に対する主流撹乱の乱れ強さとスケールの影響について(OS2-3 乱流現象の実験とシミュレーション3,OS2 乱流現象の実験とシミュレーション)

211 境界層遷移過程に対する主流撹乱の乱れ強さとスケールの影響について(OS2-3 乱流現象の実験とシミュレーション3,OS2 乱流現象の実験とシミュレーション)

Predicting Transition on Concave Surfaces

Boundary layers on concave surfaces differ from those on flat plates due to the presence of Taylor-Goertler (T-G) vortices. These vortices cause momentum transfer normal to the blade’s surface and hence result in a more rapid development of the laminar boundary layer and a fuller profile than is typical of a flat plate. Transition of boundary layers on concave surfaces also occurs at a lower Rex than on a flat plate. Concave surface transition correlations have been formulated previously from experimental data, but they are not comprehensive and are based on relatively sparse data. The purpose of the current work was to attempt to model the physics of both the laminar boundary layer development and transition process in order to produce a transition model suitable for concave surface boundary layers. The development of the laminar boundary layer on a concave surface was modeled by considering the profiles at the upwash and downwash locations separately. The profiles of the boundary layers at these two locations were then combined to successfully approximate the spanwise averaged profile. The ratio of the boundary layer thicknesses at the two locations was found to be as great as 50 and this leads to laminar boundary layer shape factors as low as 1.3 and skin friction coefficients up to 12 times the value for a flat plate laminar boundary layer. Boundary layers therefore grow much more rapidly on concave surfaces than on flat plates. The transition model assumed that transition commenced in the upwash location boundary layer at the same transition inception Reθ observed on a flat plate. Transition at the downwash location then results from the growth of turbulent spots from the upwash location rather than through the initiation of spots. The model showed that initially curvature promotes transition because of the thickened upwash boundary layer, but for strong curvature the T-G vortices effectively stabilize the boundary layer and transition then occurs at a higher Reθ than on a flat plate. Results from the transition model were in broad agreement with experimental observations. The current work therefore provides a basis for the modeling of transition on concave surfaces.

The Influence of Turbulence on Wake Dispersion and Blade Row Interaction in an Axial Compressor

The influence of free-stream turbulence on wake dispersion and boundary layer transition processes has been studied in a 1.5-stage axial compressor. An inlet grid was used to produce turbulence characteristics typical of an embedded stage in a multistage machine. The grid turbulence strongly enhanced the dispersion of inlet guide vane (IGV) wakes. This modified the interaction of IGV and rotor wakes, leading to a significant decrease in periodic unsteadiness experienced by the downstream stator. These observations have important implications for the prediction of clocking effects in multistage machines. Boundary layer transition characteristics on the outlet stator were studied with a surface hot-film array. Observations with grid turbulence were compared with those for the natural low turbulence inflow to the machine. The transition behavior under low turbulence inflow conditions with the stator blade element immersed in the dispersed IGV wakes closely resembled the behavior with elevated grid turbulence. It is concluded that with appropriate alignment, the blade element behavior in a 1.5-stage axial machine can reliably indicate the blade element behavior of an embedded row in a multistage machine.

Boundary-Layer Transition Measurements in Hypervelocity Flows in a Shock Tunnel

Experiments to investigate the transition process in hypervelocity boundary layers were performed in the T4 free-piston shock tunnel. An array of thin-film heat-transfer gauges was used to detect the location and extent of the transitional region on a 1500 mm long x 120 turn wide flat plate, which formed one of the walls of a duct. The experiments were performed in a Mach 6 flow of air with 6- and 12-MJ/kg nozzle-supply enthalpies at unit Reynolds numbers ranging from 1.6 x 10(6) to 4.9 x 10(6) m(-1). The results show that the characteristics typical of transition taking place through the initiation, growth, and merger of turbulent spots are evident in the heat-transfer signals. A 2-mm-high excrescence located 440 turn from the leading edge was found to be capable of generating a turbulent wedge within an otherwise laminar boundary layer at a unit Reynolds number of 2.6 x 10(6) m(-1) at the 6-MJ/kg condition. A tripping strip, located 100 mm from the leading edge and consisting of a line 37 teeth of 2 rum height equally spaced and spanning the test surface, was also found to be capable of advancing the transition location at the same condition and at the higher enthalpy condition.

LDA-Measurements of Transitional Flows Induced by a Square Rib

New fundamental measurements are presented for the transition process in flat plate boundary layers downstream of two-dimensional square ribs. By use of laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) and a large Matched-Index-of-Refraction (MIR) flow system, data for wall-normal fluctuations and Reynolds stresses were obtained in the near wall region to y+<0.1 in addition to the usual mean streamwise velocity component and its fluctuation. By varying velocity and rib height, the experiment investigated the following range of conditions: k+=5.5 to 21, 0.3<k/δ1<1,180<Rek<740,6×104<Rex,k<1.5×105,ReΘ660,−125<x−xk/k<580. Consequently, results covered boundary layers which retained their laminar characteristics through those where a turbulent boundary layer was established shortly after reattachment beyond the forcing rib. For “large” elements, evolution of turbulent statistics of the viscous layer for a turbulent boundary layer y+<∼30 was rapid even in flows where the mean velocity profile still showed laminar behavior.

A Prediction Model for Separated-Flow Transition

The present study formulates an improved approach for analyzing separated-flow transition that differentiates between the transition process in boundary layers that are laminar at separation and those that are already transitional at separation. The paper introduces new parameters that are necessary in classifying separated-flow transition modes and in accounting for the concomitant evolution of transition in separated shear layer and the average effect of periodic separation bubble build-up and vortex shedding. At least three separated-flow transition modes are positively distinguished: (a) transitional separation, with the transition starting upstream of the separation point and developing mostly as natural transition, (b) laminar separation/short bubble mode, with the onset of transition induced downstream of the separation point by inflexional instability and with a quick transition completion, and (c) laminar separation/long bubble mode, with the onset of transition also induced downstream of the separation point by inflexional instability, and with the transition completion delayed. Passing from one mode to another takes place continuously through a succession of intermediate stages. The location of maximum bubble elevation has been proved to be the controlling parameter for the separated flow behavior. It was found that, downstream of the separation point, the experimental data expressed in terms of distance Reynolds number Rex can be correlated better than momentum or displacement thickness Reynolds number. For each mode of separated-flow transition, the onset of transition, the transition length, and separated flow general characteristic are determined. This prediction model is developed mainly on low free-stream turbulence flat plate data and limited airfoil data. Extension to airfoils and high turbulence environment requires additional study.

Basic experiments on transition in three-dimensional boundary layers dominated by crossflow instability

The objective of this review is to summarize the results of basic experiments on the transition process in three-dimensional boundary layers governed by crossflow instability and to inform on the present state of knowledge. In particular, the intent is to give a detailed description of the essential physical features rather than a complete survey on all the experiments known so far. For convenience, emphasis is placed on the experiments carried out at DLR in Göttingen, however, essential contributions of other experiments which complete the physical understanding of the problem or lead to different conclusions are also discussed. The DLR experiments were specifically designed to study the transition process dominated by crossflow instability and to create the database for theoretical and numerical analyses of the disturbance development up to the final breakdown of laminar flow and for transition prediction. These analyses should take into account the physics of transition in a more comprehensive manner than the e N-method allows. It will be shown why, in contrast to transition dominated by Tollmien–Schlichting instability, details of the upstream conditions and the related nonlinear development cannot be ignored. The possibilities for their inclusion are discussed. In this regard, it is of special interest to verify that modern stability analyses enable the quantitative description of the linear and nonlinear disturbance development. High emphasis is placed on comparisons between experiment and nonlinear PSE and DNS approaches.

Direct numerical simulation of passive control of three-dimensional phenomena in boundary-layer transition using wall heating

A numerical model is presented for investigating control of the three-dimensional boundary-layer transition process. Control of a periodically forced, spatially evolving boundary layer in water is studied using surface heating techniques. The Navier–Stokes and energy equations are integrated using a fully implicit finite difference/spectral method. The Navier–Stokes equations are used in vorticity–velocity form and are coupled with the energy equation through the viscosity dependence on temperature. Passive control of small amplitude two-dimensional waves and three-dimensional oblique waves is numerically simulated with either uniform or non-uniform wall heating applied. Both amplitude levels and amplification rates are strongly reduced with heating applied. Comparison is made with parallel and non-parallel linear stability theory and experiments. Control of the early stages of the nonlinear breakdown process is also investigated using uniform wall heating. Both control of the fundamental and subharmonic routes to turbulence are investigated. For both breakdown processes, a strong reduction in amplitude levels and growth rates results. In particular, the high three-dimensional growth rates that are characteristic of the secondary instability process are significantly reduced below the uncontrolled levels.

End-Stage Boundary Layer Transition Models for Engineering Calculations

The paper presents some recent new data on the combined effects of pressure gradient and freestream turbulence level on the onset and length of the latter stages of the boundary layer transition process. Generalized correlations for the transition length Reynolds number are developed from considerations of the non-dimensional turbulent spot formation rate. The optimized correlation is built into a popular linear combination integral computer code to predict the growth of the transitional boundary layer in a number of practical engineering flows.

Outflow boundary conditions for spatial Navier-Stokes simulations oftransition boundary layers

For numerical simulations of the spatially evolving laminar-turbulent transition process in boundary layers using the complete Navier-Stokes equations, the treatment of the outflow boundary requires special attention. The disturbances must pass through this boundary without causing reflections that would significantly alter the flow upstream. In this paper, we present various methods to influence the disturbed flow downstream of the region of interest, such that the disturbance level at the outflow boundary is significantly reduced, and hence the possibility of reflections is minimized. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the various techniques to alter the disturbance flow near the outflow boundary, the fundamental breakdown of a strongly decelerated boundary layer is simulated. Our results show that the most effective method is to spatially suppress the disturbance vorticity within a so-called relaminarization zone. The suppression of the disturbance vorticity is gradually imposed within this zone by means of a weighting function. The enforced decay of the disturbance vorticity leads to a practically complete dissipation of any fluctuating component. Most importantly, this technique causes only a negligible upstream effect. The relaminarized boundary-layer flow then passes through the outflow boundary without significant reflections.

Unsteady Transition in an Axial-Flow Turbine: Part 1—Measurements on the Turbine Rotor

Previously published measurements in a low-speed, single-stage, axial-flow turbine have been reanalyzed in the light of more recent understanding. The measurements include time-resolved hot-wire traverses and surface hot film gage measurements at the midspan of the rotor suction surface with three different rotor-stator spacings. Part 1 investigates the suction surface boundary layer transition process, using surface-distance time plots and boundary layer cross sections to demonstrate the unsteady and two-dimensional nature of the process. Part 2 of the paper will describe the results of supporting experiments carried out in a linear cascade together with a simple transition model, which explains the features seen in the turbine.

Computer graphic visualization of Orbiter lower surface boundary-layer transition

Computer graphic techniques are applied to the processing of Shuttle Orbiter flight data in order to create a visual presentation of the extent and movement of the boundary-layer transition front over the orbiter lower surface during entry. Flight-measured surface temperature-time histories define the onset and completion of the boundary-layer transition process at any measurement location. The locus of points which define the spatial position of the boundary-layer transition front on the orbiter planform is plotted at each discrete time for which flight data are available. Displaying these images sequentially in real-time results in an animated simulation of the in-flight boundary-layer transition process.

Experimental determination of the three-dimensional vorticity field in the boundary-layer transition process

The vortex loop observed in flow-visualization studies of boundary-layer transition has been investigated by mapping the instantaneous velocity and vorticity fields. All three velocity components have been measured with hot-film anemometers at numerous grid points in a measuring volume centred on the location where the vortex loop appears in flow-visualizaton studies. The instantaneous vorticity field has been computed from the velocity field, and the vortex loop is revealed in the longitudinal component of vorticity. The loop propagates downstream at approximately the primary disturbance wavespeed. The fluid in the outer part of the boundary layer travels faster, and flows over the loop. This forms the inflexional high-shear layer, which breaks down into the hairpin vortices. The magnitude of the vorticity in the high-shear layer is actually about three times larger than that in the loop. These two regions of vorticity are distinguished by the direction of the instantaneous vorticity vectors, i.e. the vectors in the high-shear layer run in the spanwise direction, while the vectors in the vortex loop run primarily in the downstream direction. This also explains why the loop cannot be detected with simple ∂u/∂y measurements.

Behaviour of spiral vortices on a rotating cone in axial flow

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate experimentally in detail the boundary layer transition process and the behaviour of spiral vortices appearing in the transition range of the boundary layer on a 30°-cone, rotating in axial flow. Counterrotating spiral vortices in the transition range are visualized with a white smoke method, and observed the time dependent behaviour of them using a drum camera and a light sheet illumination method with a stroboscope flash light. The light passes a slit in order to illuminate only a thin sheet in the flow. With this method, the time dependent growing up and breaking down process of these spiral vortices is greatly clarified. A hot wire anemometer is also used for measuring in the flow field quantitatively. The results show that the spiral vortices are generated in the thin region of the steep shear velocity gradients near the wall. As the vortices grow up in z-direction, they are strongly distorted by the mean velocity field there, and finally they are teared off.

11 回転軸対称体における境界層の乱流遷移過程とらせん渦の構造

The behaviour of spiral vortices and the detailed process of boundary layer transition were observed for circular disk, cones and spheres rotating in still air or in axial air flow. Flow patterns in the transition region were visualized by spreading titanium tetrachloride on the rotating test bodies, while a hot-wire anemometer was used to measure the velocity field. The results show that the spiral vortices are relatively fixed to the rotating body surface, and that there are two types of the cross-sectional flow pattern for the spiral vortices, which correspond to two types.of the transition process. The critical and transition Reynolds numbers, the direction of the vortex axis and the number of the vortices on the rotating bodies were also measured.