Induced Flow Field Research Articles

Flame Induced Flow Features in the Presence of Darrieus-Landau Instability

The onset of hydrodynamic or Darrieus-Landau (DL) instability can largely impact on premixed flame morphology, turbulent flame speed and induced flow field. In this work, we focus on the latter induced flow by means of two dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS) of slot burner flames performed in a parametric fashion. Results from linear stability analysis are used to select the adequate parameter range to be investigated. The presence of DL instability is initially assessed using a recently proposed statistical marker related to flame morphology. The differences between stable and unstable flames are then statistically investigated, utilizing a single, laminar, DL-induced corrugation as a reference state. Such DL-induced effects are investigated at various turbulence intensities, in terms of local propagation, induced strain rate patterns and flow field as well as vorticity production and transformation. Using displacement speed as a measure of local propagation, no noticeable statistical difference is observed between stable and unstable flames while strain rate and vorticity patterns are shown to be largely influenced by the DL induced morphology. From the modeling point view, an enhancement of counter gradient type transport for turbulent scalar fluxes is observed for hydrodynamically unstable flames.

Higher-order force moments of active particles

Active particles moving through fluids generate disturbance flows due to their activity. For simplicity, the induced flow field is often modeled by the leading terms in a far-field approximation of the Stokes equations, whose coefficients are the force, torque and stresslet (zeroth and first-order force moments) of the active particle. This level of approximation is quite useful, but may also fail to predict more complex behaviors that are observed experimentally. In this study, to provide a better approximation, we evaluate the contribution of the second-order force moments to the flow field and, by reciprocal theorem, present explicit formulas for the stresslet dipole, rotlet dipole and potential dipole for an arbitrarily-shaped active particle. As examples of this method, we derive modified Fax\'en laws for active spherical particles and resolve higher-order moments for active rod-like particles.

Experimental investigations on characteristics of boundary layer and control of transition on an airfoil by AC-DBD

Plasma-based flow control is one of the most promising techniques for aerodynamic problems, such as delaying the boundary layer transition. The boundary layer’s characteristics induced by AC-DBD plasma actuators and applied by the actuators to delay the boundary layer transition on airfoil at Ma = 0.3 were experimentally investigated. The PIV measurement was used to study the boundary layer’s characteristics induced by the plasma actuators. The measurement plane, which was parallel to the surface of the actuators and 1 mm above the surface, was involved in the test, including the perpendicular plane. The instantaneous results showed that the induced flow field consisted of many small size unsteady vortices which were eliminated by the time average. The subsequent oil-film interferometry skin friction measurement was conducted on a NASA SC(2)-0712 airfoil at Ma = 0.3. The coefficient of skin friction demonstrates that the plasma actuators successfully delay the boundary layer transition and the efficiency is better at higher driven voltage.

The Influence of Surface Roughness on the Flow Fields Generated by an Oscillating Cantilever

With the current trend of miniaturisation of electronic devices, piezoelectric fans have attracted increasing interest as a means of inducing forced convection cooling, instead of traditional rotary solutions. Although there exists an abundance of research on various piezo-actuated flapping fans in the literature, the geometries of these fans all consist of a smooth rectangular cross section with thicknesses typically of the order of 100 μm. The focus of these studies has primarily been on variables such as frequency, amplitude and, in some cases, resonance mode. It is generally noted that the induced flow dynamics are a direct consequence of the pressure differential at the fan tip as well as the pressure driven ‘over the top’ vortices generated at the upper and lower edges of the fan. Rough surfaces such as golf ball dimples or vortex generators on an aircraft wing have proven to be beneficial by tripping the boundary layer and energising the adjacent airflow. This paper aims to examine the influence of surface roughness on the airflow generation of a flapping fan, and to determine if the induced wake can be manipulated or enhanced by energising the airflow around the fan tip. Particle-Image Velocimetry (PIV) is carried out on mechanically oscillated rigid fans with surfaces consisting of protruding pillars and dimples. A smooth rigid fan surface is also investigated as a control. No significant difference was noted between the smooth and roughened fans through observation of the induced flow fields. Both fans produced results that were largely consistent with the existing literature on oscillating cantilevers. The results of this paper may be used to inform the design of piezoelectric fans and to aid in understanding the complex aerodynamics inherent in flapping wing flight.

Adjoint-based optimization of a source-term representation of vortex generators

An optimization approach is presented that can be used to find the optimal source term distribution in order to represent a high-fidelity vortex-generator (VG) induced flow field on a coarse mesh. The approach employs the continuous adjoint of the problem, from which an exact sensitivity is calculated and used in combination with a trust-region method to find the source term which minimizes the deviation with respect to the reference velocity field. The algorithm is applied to an incompressible flow over a rectangular VG and VG pair on a flat plate and compared to results obtained with the jBAY-model and a body-fitted mesh simulation. The results indicate that a highly accurate flow, yielding only minimal errors with respect to the shape factor, circulation and vortex core, can be obtained on coarse meshes when adding a source term to only a limited number of cells. This approach therefore demonstrates the potential of source-term models to include the effects of VGs in computations of large-scale geometries. It also allows quantification of the achievable accuracy on a particular mesh and the calculation of the source term which is optimal for a specific situation. Furthermore, the optimization approach can be used to diagnose the deficiencies of an existing source-term VG model, in this work the jBAY model.

Thermocapillary Droplet Actuation: Effect of Solid Structure and Wettability.

We examine the thermocapillary-driven flow of a droplet on a nonuniformly heated patterned surface. Using a sharp-interface scheme, capable of efficiently modeling the flow over complex surfaces, we perform 2D and 3D finite element simulations for a wide range of substrate wettabilities, i.e., from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic surfaces. Our results demonstrate that the contact angle hysteresis, due to the presence of the solid structures, is responsible for the appearance of a critical thermal gradient beyond which droplet migration is possible; the latter has been reported by experimental observations. The migration velocity as well as the direction of motion strongly depend on the combined action of the net mechanical force along the contact line and the thermocapillary induced flow at the liquid-air interface. We also show that through proper control and design of the substrate wettability, contact angle hysteresis, and induced flow field it is possible to manipulate the droplet dynamics: in particular, controlling its motion along a predefined track or entrapping by a wetting defect a droplet based on its size, as well as providing appropriate conditions for enhanced mixing inside the droplet.

Study on the influence of actuation parameter of SDBD on induced jet in low-pressure air

Surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) is an important form of atmospheric discharge. The present study uses particle image velocimetry to investigate the influence of the duty cycle and pulse frequency on the flow field of plasma-induced jets and turbulent flow features for high-frequency high-voltage AC actuation under a low pressure of 7 kPa. The results prove that the SDBD plasma induces a suction flow and a horizontal tangential flow. Both the duty cycle and the pulse frequency have significant effects on the induced flow field. With the increasing duty cycle, the length and velocity of the jets increase linearly, the exit angle increases, and the Reynolds number of the tangential jet increases. The tangential jet transitions from turbulent to laminar flow as the duty cycle increases. As the pulse frequency increases, both the length of the tangential jet and the exit angle decrease gradually, and this trend accelerated near 30 Hz. The Reynolds number of the tangential jet increases to a maximum and then decreases with the increasing pulse frequency, with a peak near 50 Hz. The pulse frequency has little effect on the velocity of the jets or the turbulent flow characteristics of the tangential jet. A low duty cycle and a low pulse frequency should be adopted to increase the turbulent flow area and jet size to achieve a better actuation effect.

Bubble induced flow field modulation for pool boiling enhancement over a tubular surface

We demonstrate the efficacy of using a strategically placed enhancement feature to modify the trajectory of bubbles nucleating on a horizontal tubular surface to increase both the critical heat flux (CHF) and the heat transfer coefficient (HTC). The CHF on a plain tube is shown to be triggered by a local dryout at the bottom of the tube due to vapor agglomeration. To mitigate this effect and delay CHF, the nucleating bubble trajectory is modified by incorporating a bubble diverter placed axially at the bottom of the tube. The nucleating bubble at the base of the diverter experiences a tangential evaporation momentum force (EMF) which causes the bubble to grow sideways away from the tube and avoid localized bubble patches that are responsible for CHF initiation. High speed imaging confirmed the lateral displacement of the bubbles away from the diverter closely matched with the theoretical predictions using EMF and buoyancy forces. Since the EMF is stronger at higher heat fluxes, bubble displacement increases with heat flux and results in the formation of separate liquid-vapor pathways wherein the liquid enters almost unobstructed at the bottom and the vapor bubble leaves sideways. Experimental results yielded CHF and HTC enhancements of ∼60% and ∼75%, respectively, with the diverter configuration when compared to a plain tube. This work can be used for guidance in developing enhancement strategies to effectively modulate the liquid-vapor flow around the heater surface at various locations to enhance HTC and CHF.

Real-time solution of nonlinear potential flow equations for lifting rotors

Analysis of rotorcraft dynamics requires solution of the rotor induced flow field. Often, the appropriate model to be used for induced flow is nonlinear potential flow theory (which is the basis of vortex-lattice methods). These nonlinear potential flow equations sometimes must be solved in real time––such as for real-time flight simulation, when observers are needed for controllers, or in preliminary design computations. In this paper, the major effects of nonlinearities on induced flow are studied for lifting rotors in low-speed flight and hover. The approach is to use a nonlinear state-space model of the induced flow based on a Galerkin treatment of the potential flow equations.

Low order physical models of vertical axis wind turbines

In order to examine the ability of low-order physical models of vertical axis wind turbines to accurately reproduce key flow characteristics, experimental data are presented for the mean flow patterns and turbulence spectra associated with pairs of rotating turbines, rotating solid cylinders, and stationary porous flat plates (of both uniform and non-uniform porosities). The experiments were conducted at a nominal model-diameter Reynolds number of 600 and rotation tip speed ratios between 0 and 6. By comparing the induced flow fields of the different models both qualitatively and quantitatively, it was concluded that the two dimensional horizontal mean flow fields induced by the porous flat plates were quantitatively similar to those induced by slowly rotating turbine models. However, over the range of the experimental parameters examined, the porous flat plates were unable to produce vertical flows similar to those associated with the slowly rotating turbine models. Conversely, the moderately rotating cylinders induced three dimensional mean flow fields quantitatively similar to those induced by rapidly rotating turbine models. These findings have implications for both laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, which have previously used analogous low order models in order to reduce experimental/computational costs. Specifically, over the range of parameters examined, the comparison between induced flow fields of the different model fidelities allows identification of the lowest cost model for which the specific goals of a study can be obtained, to within the desired accuracy. And if a lower fidelity model is used, it is possible to incorporate into the analysis of the collected data an understanding of how the results would be expected to vary from a higher fidelity case.

Behaviour of two typical stents towards a new stent evolution.

This study explores the analysis of a new stent geometry from two typical stents used to treat the coronary artery disease. Two different finite element methods are applied with different boundary conditions to investigate the stenosis region. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models including fluid-structure interaction are used to assess the haemodynamic impact of two types of coronary stents implantation: (1) type 1-based on a strut-link stent geometry and (2) type 2-a continuous helical stent. Using data from a recent clinical stenosis, flow disturbances and consequent shear stress alterations introduced by the stent treatment are investigated. A relationship between stenosis and the induced flow fields for the two types of stent designs is analysed as well as the correlation between haemodynamics and vessel wall biomechanical factors during the initiation and development of stenosis formation in the coronary artery. Both stents exhibit a good performance in reducing the obstruction artery. However, stent type 1 presents higher radial deformation than the type 2. This deformation can be seen as a limitation with a long-term clinical impact.

Characterisation of plasma synthetic jet actuators in quiescent flow

An experimental characterisation study of a large-volume three-electrode plasma synthetic jet actuator (PSJA) is presented. A sequential discharge power supply system is used to activate the PSJA. Phase-locked planar particle image velocimetry (PIV) and time-resolved Schlieren imaging are used to characterise the evolution of the induced flow field in quiescent flow conditions. The effect of orifice diameter is investigated. Results indicate three distinct features of the actuator-induced flow field. These are the initial shock waves, the high speed jet and vortex rings. Two types of shock waves with varied intensities, namely a strong shock wave and a weak shock wave, are issued from the orifice shortly after the ignition of the discharge. Subsequently, the emission of a high speed jet is observed, reaching velocities up to 130 m s−1. Pronounced oscillation of the exit velocity is caused by the periodical behaviour of capacitive discharge, which also led to the formation of vortex ring trains. Orifice diameter has no influence on the jet acceleration stage and the peak exit velocity. However, a large orifice diameter results in a rapid decline of the exit velocity and thus a short jet duration time. Vortex ring propagation velocities are measured at peak values ranging from 55 m s−1–70 m s−1. In the case of 3 mm orifice diameter, trajectory of the vortex ring severely deviates from the actuator axis of symmetry. The development of this asymmetry in the flow field is attributed to asymmetry in the electrode configuration.

Erosion Stability of Wide-Graded Quarry-Stone Material under Unidirectional Current

AbstractScour protection around hydraulic structures in fluvial, estuarine, and coastal waters is an essential component of a meaningful and durable design. The continuous optimization of scour protection systems and design approaches leads to faster and more cost-effective construction processes. Although scour protection now often consists of a two-layer design, approaches that incorporate only one layer depict a major step forward. Therefore, this research focuses on the stability of a wide-graded quarry-stone mixture consisting of crushed granodiorite (Jelsa quarry, Norway) with fractions ranging from 0.063 to 200 mm. The material was exposed to an incrementally increased unidirectional current in a closed-circuit flume. The induced flow field and leading parameters were measured at various positions horizontally and vertically, whereas the erosion rates were determined behind the test bed specimen. With increasing flow velocity the development of a static armor layer was observed at the bed surface. ...

Indoor air flow motions caused by the fabric air dispersion system: A simplified method for CFD simulations

The fabric air dispersion system (FADS) has many distinctive features and, when properly designed, can improve indoor thermal environment cost-effectively. In the present work, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedures were utilised to investigate the FADS in penetration mode (FADS-PM)-induced flow fields. The mean velocity method (MVel) is proposed to approximately model the supply air flow boundary conditions, which could greatly influence the computational accuracy of overall fluid flow simulations. First, the hypothesis of even velocity distribution at air inlet was validated by flow visualisation and experimental data. Second, the simulation results within the room under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions were compared with those obtained by the direction description (DD) method. Furthermore, the computational resources required were discussed. The results demonstrate that the MVel method performs as well as the DD method in predicting the distribution of airflow generated by the FADS-PM. The MVel method is more easily implemented without considering the physical configurations of the fibre and difficulties in generating grid meshes due to the large scale of length to depth. In addition, the MVel method can greatly reduce the demand for computational resources and save computational time. The results of this research can benefit engineering designers by providing a method that evaluates the overall quality of the FADS-PM-based air-conditioning system more efficiently.

The effect of aspect ratio on the leading-edge vortex over an insect-like flapping wing

Insect wing shapes are diverse and a renowned source of inspiration for the new generation of autonomous flapping vehicles, yet the aerodynamic consequences of varying geometry is not well understood. One of the most defining and aerodynamically significant measures of wing shape is the aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of wing length (R) to mean wing chord (). We investigated the impact of aspect ratio, AR, on the induced flow field around a flapping wing using a robotic device. Rigid rectangular wings ranging from AR = 1.5 to 7.5 were flapped with insect-like kinematics in air with a constant Reynolds number (Re) of 1400, and a dimensionless stroke amplitude of (number of chords traversed by the wingtip). Pseudo-volumetric, ensemble-averaged, flow fields around the wings were captured using particle image velocimetry at 11 instances throughout simulated downstrokes. Results confirmed the presence of a high-lift, separated flow field with a leading-edge vortex (LEV), and revealed that the conical, primary LEV grows in size and strength with increasing AR. In each case, the LEV had an arch-shaped axis with its outboard end originating from a focus-sink singularity on the wing surface near the tip. LEV detachment was observed for around mid-stroke at span, and initiated sooner over higher aspect ratio wings. At the larger, stronger vortex persisted under the wing surface well into the next half-stroke leading to a reduction in lift. Circulatory lift attributable to the LEV increased with AR up to AR = 6. Higher aspect ratios generated proportionally less lift distally because of LEV breakdown, and also less lift closer to the wing root due to the previous LEV's continuing presence under the wing. In nature, insect wings go no higher than likely in part due to architectural and physiological constraints but also because of the reducing aerodynamic benefits of high AR wings.

Flow Actuation by DC Surface Discharge Plasma Actuator in Different Discharge Modes

Aerodynamic flow control phenomena were investigated with a low-current DC surface discharge plasma actuator. The plasma actuator was found to operate in three different discharge modes with similar discharge currents of about 1 mA or less. Stable continuous DC discharge without audible noise was obtained at higher ballast resistances and lower discharge currents. However, even with continuous DC power input, a low-frequency self-pulsed discharge was obtained at lower ballast resistances, and a high-frequency self-pulsed discharge was obtained at higher set-point currents and higher ballast resistances, both with audible noise. The Schlieren image reveals that the low-frequency self-pulsed mode produces a synthetic jet-like flow implying that a gas heating effect plays a role, even though the discharge current is small. The high-frequency self-pulsed mode produces pulsed jets in a tangent direction, and the continuous DC mode produces a steady straight pressure wave. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) images reveal that the induced flow field by the low-frequency self-pulsed mode has flow propagating in the radial direction and centered between the electrodes. The high-frequency self-pulsed mode and continuous DC mode produce flow from the anode to the cathode. The perturbed region downstream of the cathode is larger in the high-frequency self-pulsed mode with similar maximum speeds.

Control mechanism of turbulent channel flow by spatially spanwise oscillating Lorentz force

Turbulent channel flow control by using a spanwise oscillating Lorentz force with steady distributions has been investigated numerically via the pseudo-spectral method. The turbulent control and the drag reduction can be achieved by spanwise oscillating Lorentz forces with proper control parameters. The vortex generation is impacted in the controlled turbulent channel flow, and that only periodically well-organized streamwise vortexes are observed in the near-wall region of the turbulent channel flow. If the turbulent control is regarded as a process in which the turbulence flow is modulated by the induced flow, it has been shown that the induced flow dominants the modulated flow field when the turbulent flow is effectively controlled by the Lorentz force. Therefore, basic features of streamwise vortices in the controlled flow, such as configurations, distributions and its formations and annihilations, are related with the induced flow field and the Lorentz force distributions closely, based on which the mechanism of the turbulent control is elucidated finally.

A mechanism for cell motility by active polar gels.

We analyse a generic motility model, with the motility mechanism arising by contractile stress due to the interaction of myosin and actin. A hydrodynamic active polar gel theory is used to model the cytoplasm of a cell and is combined with a Helfrich-type model to account for membrane properties. The overall model allows consideration of the motility without the necessity for local adhesion. Besides a detailed numerical approach together with convergence studies for the highly nonlinear free boundary problem, we also compare the induced flow field of the motile cell with that of classical squirmer models and identify the motile cell as a puller or pusher, depending on the strength of the myosin-actin interactions.

A Cartesian grid refinement method for simulating thermally stratified urban environments

The capability to accurately simulate thermally stratified environments highly depends on the numerical model which governs the physical problem, but also on the temporal and spatial discretization resolution. This paper presents a multi-resolution Cartesian mesh refinement method for solving the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, while the standard k–ε turbulence model is employed to resolve stratified turbulent flows. Hanging nodes are used to facilitate the implementation of high order discretization schemes and the algebraic system of the discretized differential equations is solved with a generic modified Alternating Direction Implicit (m-ADI) method developed to resolve locally refined grids. The overall performance of the new flow solver is initially evaluated against experimental data related to the laminar flow past a square cylinder for Reynolds numbers, defined based on the mean ambient wind speed and the characteristic length scale, of 87≤Re≤250 and neutral thermal stratification. The unsteady character of the flow field is successfully predicted and the grid refinement approach enables accurate low cost and low blockage simulations. The flow solver is applied to simulate the flow over thermally stratified idealized urban areas. Good agreement with experimental measurements, where the bulk Richardson number was defined based on the mean wind speed at the top of the reference street canyon, is obtained for −0.21≤Rb≤0.78 while the grid refinement method allowed simulation of the experimental setup in detail, including all the roughness elements and the idealized street canyons. The numerical calculations indicate that even weak thermal stability can lead to laminarization of the induced flow field; reducing at the same time the potential for air mixing and results to air degradation. Even though the recirculation patterns are influenced under weak thermal stratification, extreme thermal instability within the region of −16≤Rb≤−64 with Re=6800 results to the development of two counter-rotating vortices of equivalent kinetic energy. However, the linear correlation of the average kinetic energy at the roof-level with the Rb number indicates that the buoyancy forces determine the air mixing levels.

Confined swimming of bio-inspired microrobots in rectangular channels

Controlled swimming of bio-inspired microrobots in confined spaces needs to be understood well for potential use in medical applications in conduits and vessels inside the body. In this study, experimental and computational studies are performed for analysis of swimming modes of a bio-inspired microrobot in rectangular channels at low Reynolds number. Experiments are performed on smooth and rough surfaces using a magnetic helical swimmer (MHS), having 0.5 mm diameter and 2 mm length, with left-handed helical tail and radially polarized magnetic head within rotating magnetic field obtained by two electromagnetic coil pairs. Experiments indicate three motion modes of the MHS with respect to the rotation frequency: (i) lateral motion under the effect of a perpendicular force such as gravity and the surface traction at low frequencies, (ii) lateral motion under the effect of fluid forces and gravity at transition frequencies, and (iii) circular motion under the effect of fluid forces at high frequencies. Observed modes of motion for the MHS are investigated with computational fluid dynamics simulations by calculating translational and angular velocities and studying the induced flow fields for different radial positions inside the channel. Results indicate the importance of rotation frequency, surface roughness and flow field on the swimming modes and behaviour of the MHS inside the rectangular channel.