Primary Flow Structures Research Articles

Vortex-shedding and bistability in cylinder-flexible plate assembly in a channel

This study numerically investigates the fluid–structure interaction dynamics of a stationary circular cylinder with an attached flexible splitter plate in a confined fluid domain. We explore how variations in Reynolds number (Re), plate length, offset from the channel centerline, and blockage ratio influence the vortex-shedding and oscillatory behavior of the plates in laminar flow. Results indicate that at low Reynolds numbers (Re = 100), there are no vortex shedding or oscillations, while at higher Reynolds (Re = 200 to 300), the shorter plate exhibits first-mode oscillations and symmetry breaking, whereas the longer plate shows only transient second-mode oscillations at Re = 300 that diminish in amplitude, suggesting that increased plate length reduces vortex-induced forces. Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) analysis confirms consistent primary flow structures across different Reynolds numbers, with initial modes encapsulating the majority of the system’s dynamics. In addition to determining the critical Re for vortex-shedding, vortex-induced oscillations and bistability, the study also examines the critical blockage ratios on the symmetry breaking phenomenon, and also shows that plate stability is influenced by domain asymmetry. These insights enhance understanding of the biomechanics of fish-like robots and inform the design and control of bioinspired flexible structures in fluid flows.

Enhancing subsonic ejector performance by incorporating a fluidic oscillator as the primary nozzle: a numerical investigation

Primary flow structures affect ejector performance by impacting momentum transfer to the secondary flow and pressure reduction in the suction chamber. This study investigated the potential benefits of oscillating the primary flow in ejectors to enhance the shear-turbulence mixing and momentum exchange between the primary and secondary flows and improve the entrainment ratio. A vortex-based fluidic oscillator was scaled down and designed to serve as the primary nozzle in a two-dimensional subsonic ejector, embedded between the secondary channels. Prior to installation, optimal values for the nozzle exit position and mixing chamber height were obtained through a parametric study and used in the ejector with the oscillator. To evaluate the impact of the fluidic oscillator on the ejector entrainment ratio, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved using the k–ε standard and k–ω shear-stress transport turbulence models in the Fluent 2022 R2 software. The results indicated that a harmonically oscillating primary flow was generated, increasing the mixing entrainment and momentum transfer while reducing the pressure in the suction and mixing chambers. The oscillator improved the ejector's entrainment ratio by 38.3% compared to the baseline, and 11.6% compared to the parametrically optimized ejector. It also expanded the ejector's performance range.

Influence of Pulsatility and Inflow Waveforms on Tracheal Airflow Dynamics in Healthy Older Adults.

Tracheal collapsibility is a dynamic process altering local airflow dynamics. Patient-specific simulation is a powerful technique to explore the physiological and pathological characteristics of human airways. One of the key considerations in implementing airway computations is choosing the right inlet boundary conditions that can act as a surrogate model for understanding realistic airflow simulations. To this end, we numerically examine airflow patterns under the influence of different profiles, i.e., flat, parabolic, and Womersley, and compare these with a realistic inlet obtained from experiments. Simulations are performed in ten patient-specific cases with normal and rapid breathing rates during the inhalation phase of the respiration cycle. At normal breathing, velocity and vorticity contours reveal primary flow structures on the sagittal plane that impart strength to cross-plane vortices. Rapid breathing, however, encounters small recirculation zones. Quantitative flow metrics are evaluated using time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI). Overall, the flow metrics encountered in a real velocity profile are in close agreement with parabolic and Womersley profiles for normal conditions, however, the Womersley inlet alone conforms to a realistic profile under rapid breathing conditions.

Analysis of the characteristics of the spectral orthogonal decomposed flow fields: Numerical and experimental investigations of the air flow field around a simplified container ship model

The instability of the wind resistance on container ships with a certain windward area often depends on the shedding of vortices on the surface of the hull. This affects the navigation of the ship. However, the flow field around the container ship is composed of lots of modes of different frequencies and energy, only some of them have close relationship with energy saving. In order to investigate the characteristics of the flow motions necessary, three-dimensional flow field around the container ship is simulated by Large Eddy Simulation(LES) and validated by model test. Then the two-dimensional simplified container ship model is adopted to highlight the characteristics of the flow field, the Reynolds number of the flow field analyzed at this time is 2.53×106. The flow field around the two-dimensional model is simulated and decomposed by spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD), it is found that the Strouhal numbers of vortex shedding obtained by λ2 criterion and vorticity method is consistent with that calculated by SPOD. The energy of the flow motion related to the present study is dominated by the primary flow structure decomposed by SPOD, and the high frequency motion obtained by SPOD has little contribution on it. An in-depth analysis of the flow field is performed in the present investigation by taking the flow field around a container ship for example, the further study of the three-dimensional problem is also expected.

Numerical Analysis of the Primary Gas Boundary Layer Flow Structure in Laser Fusion Cutting in Context to the Striation Characteristics of Cut Edges

In cutting metals with solid-state lasers, a characteristic cutting edge structure is generated whose formation mechanisms still elude a consistent explanation. Several studies suggest a major contribution of the pressurized gas flow. Particular emphasis must be devoted to the gas boundary layer and its developing flow characteristics, since they determine the heat and momentum exchange between the cutting gas and the highly heated melt surface and thus the expulsion of the molten material from the kerf. The present study applies a CFD simulation model to analyze the gas flow during laser cutting with appropriate boundary conditions. Specifically, the gas boundary layer development is considered with a high spatial discretization of this zone in combination with a transition turbulence model. The results of the calculation reveal for the first time that the boundary layer is characterized by a quasi-stationary vortex structure composed of nearly horizontal geometry- and shock-induced separation zones and vertical vortices, which contribute to the transition to turbulent flow. Comparison of the results with the striation structure of experimental cut edges reveals a high agreement of the location, orientation, and size of the characteristic vortices with particular features of the striation structure of cut edges.

UrbanChemFoam 1.0: large-eddy simulation of non-stationary chemical transport of traffic emissions in an idealized street canyon

Abstract. This paper describes a large-eddy simulation based chemical transport model, developed under the OpenFOAM framework, implemented to simulate dispersion and chemical transformation of nitrogen oxides from traffic sources in an idealized street canyon. The dynamics of the model, in terms of mean velocity and turbulent fluctuation, are evaluated using available stationary measurements. A transient model run using a photostationary reaction mechanism for nitrogen oxides and ozone subsequently follows, where non-stationary conditions for meteorology, background concentrations, and traffic emissions are applied over a 24 h period, using regional model data and measurements obtained for the city of Berlin in July 2014. Diurnal variations of pollutant concentrations indicate dependence on emission levels, background concentrations, and solar state. Comparison of vertical and horizontal profiles with corresponding stationary model runs at select times show that while there are only slight differences in velocity magnitude, visible changes in primary and secondary flow structures can be observed. In addition, temporal variations in diurnal profile and cumulative species concentration result in significant deviations in computed pollutant concentrations between transient and stationary model runs.

Analysis of vapor-driven solutal Marangoni flows inside a sessile droplet

We study experimentally and theoretically how vapor-driven solutal Marangoni flows inside a sessile droplet are created. To measure the flow field, we perform a conventional particle image velocimetry (PIV). We show that the internal flow pattern can be controlled by the position and number of volatile liquid sources. To explain the mechanism, we develop a theoretical model based on Stokes flow, which predicts primary flow structures of experimental results. From the current study, we find two main conditions to determine the internal flow that are the distribution of the vapor molecules and the surface tension values depending on the concentration of the volatile liquid. From the analytical model, we successfully explain the mechanism of the solutal Marangoni flows induced by the volatile liquid components next to the sessile droplet, which can be used for optimization of the vapor-driven solutal Marangoni flow control and mixing.

Combined effects of internal exhaust gas recirculation and tumble motion generation in a flex-fuel direct injection engine

The increasing demands placed on the global automotive industry for reducing the environmental impact of its activities have stimulated changes in the concept and design of internal combustion engines. Seeking to comply with a more sustainable future of mobility, the purpose of the present work is to study the impacts of exhaust gas recirculation, combined with changes in the in-cylinder primary flow structure, in the experimental operation of a single-cylinder research engine. The two main fuels for the Brazilian light-vehicle fleet, gasohol (E27) and bioethanol derived from sugarcane (E100), were directly injected in the tests. After performing a baseline calibration to investigate the best valve timing setup for the camshaft in order to optimize the trapped EGR, the induced tumble motion proved to be an effective method to speed up the combustion flame propagation, enhancing the fuel conversion efficiency. The results showed up to 10% fuel consumption reduction, lower exhaust pollutant emissions of CO2, CO, NOX and HC when compared to the baseline engine experiments. Improvements in combustion phasing were observed, with the CoV of IMEP always remaining below the upper limit of 3.5%. The internal EGR combination with in-cylinder tumble flow was a powerful strategy to enhance the overall engine efficiency whilst minimizing its environmental impact, especially for the ethanol-fueled tests, in which the compression ratio was raised from 11.5 to 15.0.

Toxicology of Heavy Metals to Subsurface Lithofacies and Drillers during Drilling of Hydrocarbon Wells

This study investigates the toxicological effects of heavy metals on lithofacies of the subsurface in a drilled hydrocarbon well as well as, to the drilling crew and people in an environment. The pollution levels of selected heavy metals were considered alongside their ecological effects during dry and wet seasons. The health hazard potential of human exposures to the metals, were estimated in terms of intensity and time using the USEPA recommended model. The heavy metal concentration for each layer decreased across the lithofacies as follows; Layer 5> Layer 4> Layer 3> Layer 2> Layer 1. The average concentrations of the heavy metals present in the samples obtained from the formation zone, varied significantly and decreased in the order of Al> Zn> Ni> Pb> Cr> Cu> Cd> As> Hg. The highest concentration of Al, Cu, and Zn in this present study were within the maximum allowable limits whereas, those of As, Cd, Hg and Ni were all above their maximum allowable limits. Among the transition metals analysed, the maximum mean daily dose of Pb (9.18 × 10−6 mg/kg/d) and Cr (1.42 × 10−6 mg/kg/d) were confirmed susceptible to human carcinogens and environmental toxins. The estimated hazard quotient shows that the dermal pathway is the most likely route via which the drilling crew and people in the environment can get contaminated. The cancer risk values for the Pb (7.72 × 10−4), Cd (1.35 × 10−1), Ni (9.97 × 10−3), As (1.50 × 10−1) and Cr (3.16 × 10−3) are all above the acceptable values. The cancer risk contribution for each metal was in the order of As> Cd> Ni> Cr> Pb. Layer 5 had the maximum Geo-accumulation index for the heavy metals considered. This higher Geo-accumulation index noted at the depth in Layer 5 may be attributed to the effect of water basin with turbidity currents, deltas, and shallow marine sediment deposits with storm impacted conditions. Also, the pollution from lead (Pb) in the dry season was maximum with an Igeo value> 5 for all the lithofacies considered because of the low background concentration of the metal. During the wet season, the heavy metal pollution rate was moderate for Zn whereas, it was extremely polluted with respect to Pb. The ecological risk potential of Pb shows that the associated ecological risks range from 536 – 664 in the wet season (i.e. extremely strong) and 2810 – 3480 in dry season (extremely strong). The high level of Pb pollution found in the area at such shallow depth may be due to the sedimentary folds possibly caused by the full spectrum of metamorphic rocks and primary flow structures at shallow depths. This was used to identify the environmental sensitivities of the heavy metals during the dry and wet seasons.

Double solution and influence of secondary waves on transition criteria for shock interference in pre-Mach reflection with two incident shock waves

Mach reflection in steady supersonic flow with two incident shock waves that reflect at the same point on the reflecting surface has been studied recently. Under some conditions we have pre-Mach reflection, where the first incident shock wave produces Mach reflection, the reflected shock wave of which intersects the second incident shock wave, leading to a type I shock interference structure. In this study, we find that a critical condition exists to have a double solution of this shock interference, i.e. we may either have type I interference or type II interference. However, numerical simulation shows that, for inverted Mach reflection, the double solution domain is below the theoretical one and for usual Mach reflection, the double solution domain is above the theoretical one. This discrepancy is found to be due to secondary Mach waves on the initial segment of the slipline of the Mach reflection, thus demonstrating for the first time a case where the transition criterion is modified by secondary Mach waves developed over the primary flow structure.

Three-dimensionality of shallow island wakes

Island wakes are thought to play a significant role in the vertical and cross-shelf mixing processes in strong tidally forced coastal regions. This paper describes a comprehensive laboratory study of shallow water wakes behind islands of circular cross section forced by a sinusoidal tidal flow. The wake structure and vertical circulation are determined through novel three-dimensional particle imaging velocimetry measurements. Four archetypal wake forms (symmetric, asymmetric, unsteady bubble, and vortex shedding) are observed. Through examination of the vertical structure of each of these wake forms, we demonstrate the dependence of vertical transport in island wakes on three key parameters: (1) the tidal excursion relative to the island size, (2) the bottom boundary layer thickness relative to the flow depth and (3) the aspect ratio of the island size to the flow depth. The importance of secondary vortices in island upwelling is highlighted by local peaks in vertical velocity that exceed 40% of the peak external tidal velocity. This study fundamentally changes the view of island wake upwelling from a weak ‘tea cup’-like recirculation process to one where primary and secondary flow structures vigorously stir the water column over the full depth. This has fundamental implications for the fate of passive biological tracers and the time scales that determine productivity in topographically-complex continental shelf regions.

Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Extended- Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Analysis of Pressure Fluctuations and Vortex Structures Inside a Steam Turbine Control Valve

In steam turbine control valves, pressure fluctuations coupled with vortex structures in highly unsteady three-dimensional flows are essential contributors to the aerodynamic forces on the valve components, and are major sources of flow-induced vibrations and acoustic emissions. Advanced turbulence models can capture the detailed flow information of the control valve; however, it is challenging to identify the primary flow structures, due to the massive flow database. In this study, state-of-the-art data-driven analyses, namely, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and extended-POD, were used to extract the energetic pressure fluctuations and dominant vortex structures of the control valve. To this end, the typical annular attachment flow inside a steam turbine control valve was investigated by carrying out a detached eddy simulation (DES). Thereafter, the energetic pressure fluctuation modes were determined by conducting POD analysis on the pressure field of the valve. The vortex structures contributing to the energetic pressure fluctuation modes were determined by conducting extended-POD analysis on the pressure–velocity coupling field. Finally, the dominant vortex structures were revealed conducting a direct POD analysis of the velocity field. The results revealed that the flow instabilities inside the control valve were mainly induced by oscillations of the annular wall-attached jet and the derivative flow separations and reattachments. Moreover, the POD analysis of the pressure field revealed that most of the pressure fluctuation intensity comprised the axial, antisymmetric, and asymmetric pressure modes. By conducting extended-POD analysis, the incorporation of the vortex structures with the energetic pressure modes was observed to coincide with the synchronous, alternating, and single-sided oscillation behaviors of the annular attachment flow. However, based on the POD analysis of the unsteady velocity fields, the vortex structures, buried in the dominant modes at St = 0.017, were found to result from the alternating oscillation behaviors of the annular attachment flow.

Dynamic leg-motion and its effect on the aerodynamic performance of cyclists

In this wind-tunnel based experimental study, the flow topology of the near wake of a generic anatomically accurate model cyclist is mapped for a range of reduced pedalling frequencies. Wake flow fields for both static leg and pedalling cyclists are compared over the full 360° rotation of the crank using both time- and phase-averaging. The primary wake flow structures and aerodynamic forces are quantified and analysed under dynamic pedalling conditions representative of an elite-level time-trial cyclist. Over the range of reduced pedalling frequencies studied, only minor variation was detected between the instantaneous drag and primary vortical structures of a pedalling cyclist compared to a stationary cyclist with the pedals in the same position. A simplified model of the aerodynamic forces acting on the legs under motion is presented to provide insight into how the motion of the legs influences aerodynamic drag. A comparison of predicted forces from this model with those from experiments provides a new perspective on how the aerodynamics of cyclists may be optimised.

A Comparison of the Wake Structures of Scale and Full-scale Pedalling Cycling Models

This paper presents a novel approach to better understand the unsteady aerodynamics associated with a dynamically pedalling cyclist. Using high resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in a water channel, the large-scale wake structure is analysed for various phases of the crank cycle of a 1:4.5 scale-model cyclist/bicycle under both static and pedalling conditions. Both quasi-steady and dynamic pedalling leg results are compared with detailed velocity field surveys made in the wake of a full-scale pedalling cyclist mannequin of similar geometry and position in a wind tunnel. A time-averaged and phase-averaged analysis of the various flow regimes that occur throughout the pedal stroke shows good agreement between scale-model and full-scale mannequin investigations. This highlights the robustness of the formation of the primary wake flow structures when subjected to varying Reynolds number, bicycle/rider geometry and quasi-steady/dynamic pedalling conditions.

A LES-based Eulerian–Lagrangian approach to predict the dynamics of bubble plumes

An approach for Eulerian–Lagrangian large-eddy simulation of bubble plume dynamics is presented and its performance evaluated. The main numerical novelties consist in defining the gas-liquid coupling based on the bubble size to mesh resolution ratio (Dp/Δx) and the interpolation between Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks through the use of delta functions. The model’s performance is thoroughly validated for a bubble plume in a cubic tank in initially quiescent water using experimental data obtained from high-resolution ADV and PIV measurements. The predicted time-averaged velocities and second-order statistics show good agreement with the measurements, including the reproduction of the anisotropic nature of the plume’s turbulence. Further, the predicted Eulerian and Lagrangian velocity fields, second-order turbulence statistics and interfacial gas-liquid forces are quantified and discussed as well as the visualization of the time-averaged primary and secondary flow structure in the tank.

Secondary instability as a possible mechanism for clear-air turbulence: a case study

Many theories and mechanisms have been proposed to explain the phenomenon of clear-air turbulence (CAT), and some of them have been successful in predicting light, moderate and, in some cases, severe turbulence. It is only recently that skill in the forecasting of the severe form of CAT, which could lead to injuries to passengers and damage to aircraft, has improved. Recent observations and simulations suggest that some severe to extreme turbulence could be caused by horizontal vortex tubes resulting from secondary instabilities of regions of high shear in the atmosphere. We have conducted direct numerical simulations to understand the scale relationship between primary structures (larger-scale structures related to one of the causes mentioned above) and secondary structures (smaller-sized, shear structures of the size of aircraft). From shear layer simulations, we find that the ratio of sizes of primary and secondary vortices is of the right order to generate aircraft-scale vortex tubes from typical atmospheric shear layers. We have also conducted simulations with a mesoscale atmospheric model, to understand possible causes of turbulence experienced by a flight off the west coast of India. Our simulations show the occurrence of primary flow structures related to synoptic conditions around the time of the incident. The evidence presented for this mechanism also has implications for possible methods of detection and avoidance of severe CAT.

Flow topology in the wake of a cyclist and its effect on aerodynamic drag

AbstractThree-dimensional flows around a full-scale cyclist mannequin were investigated experimentally to explain the large variations in aerodynamic drag that are measured as the legs are positioned around the $360^\circ $ crank cycle. It is found that the dominant mechanism affecting drag is not the small variation in frontal surface area over the pedal stroke but rather due to large changes in the flow structure over the crank cycle. This is clearly shown by a series of detailed velocity field wake surveys and skin friction flow visualizations. Two characteristic flow regimes are identified, corresponding to symmetrical low-drag and asymmetrical high-drag regimes, in which the primary feature of the wake is shown to be a large trailing streamwise vortex pair, orientated asymmetrically in the centre plane of the mannequin. These primary flow structures in the wake are the dominant mechanism driving the variation in drag throughout the pedal stroke. Topological critical points have been identified on the suction surfaces of the mannequin’s back and are discussed with velocity field measurements to elucidate the time-average flow topologies, showing the primary flow structures of the low- and high-drag flow regimes. The proposed flow topologies are then related to the measured surface pressures acting on the suction surface of the mannequin’s back. These measurements show that most of the variation in drag is due to changes in the pressure distribution acting on the lower back, where the large-scale flow structures having the greatest impact on drag develop.

Proper orthogonal decomposition investigation of turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection in a rectangular cavity

We consider the large-eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection for air in a parallepipedic cavity of ratio (1:5:1) over the range Ra = 6 × 108 up to Ra = 1010 previously studied in Sergent and Le Quéré (Proceedings of the 13th European Turbulence Conference, 2011). Using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis, we confirm the existence of a large-scale circulation (LSC) consisting of quasi-stationary cross-stream rolls (y-rolls) which are aligned with the small direction of the box. Strong changes in the LSC are observed to take place over a few hundred convective time units, defined as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\kappa /(L_{x}^{2} Ra^{1/2})$\end{document}κ/(Lx2Ra1/2), where κ is the fluid diffusivity, Lx is the height of the box and Ra is the Rayleigh number. We also show the existence of a secondary flow, which consists of horizontal rolls (z-rolls) surrounding the core of the cavity and orthogonal to the cross-stream rolls. The amplitude of these longitudinal rolls oscillates on a time scale of 50 convective units. The longitudinal rolls are associated with strong variations in the vertical momentum transfer, while cross-stream rolls are primarily responsible for more than half of the convective heat transfer and make little contribution to the convective momentum transfer. Integration of a simplified dynamical model with stationary y-rolls leads to an oscillation in the z-rolls with a characteristic period of 70 units, which supports the idea that the oscillation of the secondary rolls is determined by the primary flow structure. Using 2D linear stability analysis based on the contributions from POD modes, we show that the presence of longitudinal shear leads to the stabilization of the high wavenumber range, and we predict a roll size which is reasonably close to that observed in the LES. We conjecture that changes in the large-scale circulation of the flow are related to the fluctuating shear created by the secondary rolls and higher-order modes outside the boundary layer.

Direct numerical simulation of vector-controlled free jets

We conduct DNS (direct numerical simulation) of vector controlled free jets. The inflow velocity of jet is periodically oscillated perpendicular to the jet axis. In order to realize the high accurate computation, a discretization in space is performed with hybrid scheme in which Fourier spectral and 6th order compact scheme are adopted. From visualized instantaneous vortex structures, it is found that the flow pattern considerably changes according to the oscillating frequency, i.e., according to the increasing the frequency, wave, bifurcating and flapping modes appear in turn. In order to quantify mixing efficiency under the vector control, as the mixing measure, statistical entropy is investigated. Compared to the uncontrolled jet, the mixing efficiency is improved in order of wavy, flapping and bifurcating modes. Thus the vector control can be expected for the improvement of mixing efficiency. Further to make clear the reason for the mixing enhancement, Snapshot POD and DMD method are applied. The primary flow structures under the vector control are demonstrated.

Hemodynamics of the Hepatic Venous Three-Vessel Confluences Using Particle Image Velocimetry

Despite rapid advancements in the patient-specific hemodynamic analysis of systemic arterial anatomies, limited attention has been given to the characterization of major venous flow components, such as the hepatic venous confluence. A detailed investigation of hepatic flow structures is essential to better understand the origin of characteristic abnormal venous flow patterns observed in patients with cardiovascular venous disease. The present study incorporates transparent rapid-prototype replicas of two pediatric hepatic venous confluence anatomies and two-component particle image velocimetry to investigate the primary flow structures influencing the inferior vena cava outflow. Novel jet flow regimes are reported at physiologically relevant mean venous conditions. The sensitivity of fluid unsteadiness and hydraulic resistance to multiple-inlet flow regimes is documented. Pressure drop measurements, jet flow characterization, and blood damage assessments are also performed. Results indicate that the orientation of the inlets significantly influences the major unsteady flow structures and power loss characteristics of this complex venous flow junction. Compared to out-of-plane arranged inlet vessel configuration, the internal flow field observed in planar inlet configurations was less sensitive to the venous inlet flow split. Under pathological flow conditions, the effective pressure drop increased as much as 77% compared to the healthy flow state. Experimental flow field results presented here can serve as a benchmark case for the surgical optimization of complex anatomical confluences including visceral hemodynamics as well as for the experimental validation of high-resolution computational fluid dynamics solvers applied to anatomical confluences with multiple inlets and outlets.