Streamwise Velocity Component Research Articles

Similarity of the low-occurrence wind profiles within urban turbulent boundary layers of uniform and non-uniform height block arrays

Within urban boundary layers, the safety of pedestrians is markedly affected by wind speed, particularly in urban areas. The characteristics of turbulence above the canopy layers can lead to unpredictable changes in wind speed at the pedestrian level. Therefore, this study analyzes low-occurrence wind speed phenomena above canopy heights for uniform and nonuniform block configurations using wind tunnel experiments (WTE) to understand the background turbulence characteristics which the wind profile is generated by the boundary layer above the canopy. The urban canopy arrays were reproduced using solid blocks arranged in 30 rows in a streamwise direction with a packing density of 25 % at three different heights. An x-type hot-wire anemometer was used to measure the streamwise and vertical velocity components. The low-occurrence values were classified based on wind speed percentiles of 0.1 %, 1.0 %, 99.0 %, and 99.9 % wind speeds. The results demonstrated that above the canopy, there were minor influences of block height variations on the low occurrence factor. The peak factor demonstrated a comparable value between the uniform and nonuniform cases, regardless of the block arrangement. Statistical models based on the Weibull distribution and Gram–Charlier series demonstrating good agreement with the WTE data in predicting the low occurrence and peak factors. This study found that variations in block height have a minor influence on the low occurrence and peak factors within the turbulent boundary layers, implying that we can separate the effect of background turbulence from the local turbulent generation within the urban canopy layers.

Interaction of inertia and magnetic force in the liquid metal flow past a magnetic obstacle

In this paper, we present a numerical study of the three-dimensional behavior of a liquid metal flow in an insulating rectangular duct of narrow cross section past a localized magnetic field (i.e., a magnetic obstacle) produced by two parallel square magnets arranged externally on the walls of the duct. A series of simulations are conducted focused mainly on describing the interplay between inertial and magnetic forces in a wide range of interaction parameters (1.8<N<48) by varying the Reynolds number while the Hartmann number is kept fixed (Ha = 75). The analyzed configuration coincides with that studied experimentally by Domínguez et al. [“Experimental and theoretical study of the dynamics of wakes generated by magnetic obstacles,” Magnetohydrodynamics 51(2), 215–224 (2015)] and, as a first step, experimental data from local variables (streamwise velocity component) and global parameters (oscillation frequency and kinetic energy of the wake) are consistently replicated by the numerical model. Furthermore, to complement the flow phenomenology, the transition to different flow structures as the interaction parameter varies is explored. It is found that when the magnetic forces predominate over inertia, stationary vortex patterns with two, four, and six vortices appear while, unlike the hydrodynamic flow past a bluff body, the increase in inertial effects leads to a reduction in the number of vortices and eventually to their disappearance, reaching a state in which the magnetic obstacle becomes imperceptible to the flow. The existence of a critical value of the interaction parameter that maximizes the kinetic energy of the wake is confirmed numerically and corroborated from the experimental data.

An improved delayed detached-eddy study on the aerodynamic braking technique based on blunting the streamlined section of the high-speed train

This paper utilizes the improved delayed detached-eddy simulation method to investigate an aerodynamic braking technique involving blunting the streamlined portion of a high-speed train (HST) at Re = 5.0 × 105. The accuracy of the numerical simulation method was validated through reduced-scale wind tunnel experiments at the same Reynolds number level. The study compares aerodynamic drag, pressure distribution, boundary layer, and wake flow characteristics between the original configuration and the braking configuration of the HST. Additionally, the impact of aerodynamic braking plates on the flow characteristics around the key components of the HST has also been discussed. The results indicate a significant increase in the pressure drag experienced by the HST with the application of aerodynamic braking plates to its streamlined sections, while there is a slight decrease in viscous drag. This leads to a remarkable 235.4% rise in the overall aerodynamic drag of the entire HST. The aerodynamic braking plates also have a substantial impact on the turbulent wake flow topology, significantly increasing turbulence levels in the near-wake region. Furthermore, the implementation of aerodynamic braking plates may affect pantograph current collection by significantly altering stream-wise and vertical velocity components, notably increasing velocity fluctuation around the contact position between the pantograph and power supply lines.

Parameterized physics-informed neural networks (P-PINNs) solution of uniform flow over an arbitrarily spinning spherical particle

Neural network-based approaches have emerged as alternatives to conventional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in solving multiphase flow problems. However, most of these approaches are based on data-driven machine learning methods that require training datasets prepared beforehand through CFD simulations or experiments and cannot be used independently. This study presents an unsupervised parameterized physics-informed neural networks (P-PINNs) approach for obtaining the full flow field information over a multi-dimensional parametric space. This approach is then applied to solve the three-dimensional flow around an arbitrarily rotating sphere subjected to a cross-flow. This solution is obtained for a continuous range of three parameters: the Reynolds number based on cross-flow (Re∈[1,400]), non-dimensional streamwise and spanwise angular velocity components (Ωx∗,Ωy∗∈[−3,3]). The predictions from the P-PINNs model are compared against particle-resolved direct numerical simulation (PR-DNS) results, demonstrating that the neural network model predicts all flow variables (velocity, pressure, and their spatial derivatives) accurately with R2≳0.9. The force and torque on the particle obtained from the P-PINNs model are also compared well against the corresponding PR-DNS results with R2>0.94. The key observation is that the computational cost of the unsupervised parameterized neural network model training and deployment is substantially lower than performing numerous conventional CFD simulations to systematically vary the parameters. Furthermore, once trained, the resultant neural network model is substantially more compact than the huge database of discretized numerical solutions. The P-PINNs model is then used to reveal several interesting flow features and phenomena about the rotating sphere, including flow symmetry, secondary drag and lift, critical Reynolds number, flow bifurcation, and flow separation. This study presents P-PINNs as an efficient alternative for solving parameterized flow problems, demonstrating its practical usage in flow physics discovery with the example of flow past an arbitrarily rotating sphere.

Fluid Dynamics Effects of a Porous Blockage on Laminar Flow in the Interior Subchannels of a 61-Pin Wire-Wrapped Rod Bundle

Flow blockages in Liquid Metal Fast Reactor (LMFR) fuel assemblies that can cause fuel pin cladding failures require further investigation for the development and optimization of these Generation IV reactor designs. The objective of this study was to experimentally evaluate the effects of a porous blockage accident scenario on laminar flow behavior in the interior subchannels of a prototypical 61-pin wire-wrapped rod bundle. The laminar flow condition is considered because of its importance to natural circulation and loss-of-coolant-accident operating scenarios as well as the limited availability of experimental data. The matched-index-of-refraction method was utilized to obtain two-dimension two-component time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements at three planes centered on blocked and neighboring subchannel regions. Time-averaged first-order and second-order statistics, computed by Reynolds decomposition, were visualized including the mean and fluctuating streamwise and spanwise velocity components. Line profiles described the evolution of flow from upstream regions, to separated flow, and recombination downstream, while a modified Galilean decomposition distinguished differences between flow in the blocked measurement plane and flow in its neighboring counterpart region. Spatial-temporal cross-correlations were performed for the streamwise velocity fluctuations to characterize the convection velocity and decay of traveling vortices in the wake of the porous blockage. The isothermal TR-PIV measurements from this study provide high-fidelity experimental data sets for the validation of computational models and numerical studies to characterize complex fluid phenomena in wire-wrapped rod bundles during the potential accident scenario of a porous, interior flow blockage.

Vertical coherence of coherent structures during sand and dust storms: A multi-height synchronous observation study

An experiment was conducted on the Qingtu Lake Observation Array (QLOA) to measure wind and dust information at various wall-normal heights during the sand and dust storm (SDS) process. According to the indicators of the non-stationary features in the flow field, the SDS process can be divided into three stages: ascending, stabilizing, and descending. Based on this division, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) is employed to extract dominant flow structures, which carries a significant portion of the turbulent kinetic energy. Moreover, the HHT spectrum of stream-wise velocity component reveals that the scales of the dominant structures are approximately hundreds of meters in the horizontal direction, and hence suggests the presence of large and very large-scale coherence during the SDS. The hypotheses of Townsend [The Structure of Turbulent Shear Flow (Cambridge University Press, 1976)] and Davenport [“The spectrum of horizontal gustiness near the ground in high winds,” Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 87, 194–211 (1961)] are utilized to demonstrate the vertical coherence of turbulence, which suggests the wall-similarity and evolution of inner/outer interactions for coherent structures during the SDS. Finally, the coherence spectrum [γL2=exp(−2c1Δz/λx)] and the linear transfer kernel [|HL2|=exp(d1−d2Δz/λx)] are parameterized, where c1, d1, d2 are fitting parameters, Δz is wall-normal offset, and λx refers to streamwise wavelength, to illustrate the evolution of the interactions between near-wall and outer regions during the SDS, which highlights the strong connections during the stabilizing stage. In general, the present study analyzed horizontal and wall-normal structures for a comprehensive SDS process, and thus, these findings present abundant features of wall-attached eddies which further be used to improve/enrich existing near-wall models.

Release of perfluoroalkyl acids from sediments under the effects of the discharge ratio and flow flux at a Y-shaped confluence

The sediments in riverine environments contain notably high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), which may be released into the water body under different hydrodynamic forces, such as those occurring at Y-shaped confluences. The release of PFAAs may pose a significant risk to the surrounding aquatic ecosystems. However, our understanding of the release and transport of PFAAs from sediments at Y-shaped confluences remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we performed a series of flume experiments to explore the effects of discharge ratio and total flow flux on the release and redistribution of PFAAs. The results indicated that these two parameters significantly affected the hydrodynamic features of confluences and the water physicochemical parameters. PFAA concentrations in the dissolved phase and suspended particulate matter (SPM) rose significantly as the discharge ratio and total flow flux increased. The dissolved phase was the predominant loading form of PFAAs, with short-chain PFAAs being the main kind, while long-chain PFAAs were dominant in the SPM. The spatial distribution pattern of PFAAs in sediments at the confluence exhibited a high degree of correspondence with hydrodynamic zones. The separation zone and maximum velocity zone were consistent with sediment regions with low and high capacities to release PFAAs, respectively. The patterns of variation in PFAA distribution were comparable to those observed in hydrodynamic zones as the discharge ratio and total flow flux varied. Furthermore, these two parameters altered the partitioning behaviors of PFAAs; specifically, the PFAAs in sediments tended to be released into the pore-water, while the liberated PFAAs tended to attach to SPM. Linear regression and correlation analyses suggested that the stream-wise and vertical flow velocity components near the sediment-water interface were the primary contributors to sediment suspension and PFAA exchange between the water column and pore-water. These findings will help us to understand the patterns of PFAA release in sediments at Y-shaped confluences and assist in the management of PFAA-contaminated sediments at these locations.

On the natural transition of the natural convection boundary layer under a constant heat flux condition

This study investigates the thermo-fluidic characteristics of a natural convection boundary layer over a vertical plate heated under a constant heat flux condition. We used particle image velocimetry to observe the surface convection velocity at the proximity of the plate, which is submerged in a water chamber with Rayleigh number, Ra=7×109 and Prandtl number, Pr = 8.1. The velocity distributions indicated the presence of distinct stripe-like flow structures in the early transition (upstream) region and that of distinct negative–positive Λ-shaped flow structures in the downstream region. In addition, the temporal variation of spanwise and streamwise velocity components was presented. Furthermore, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis was used to reduce the complexity of the flow structure and retain the most salient characteristics of the flow field. Our results confirmed the existence of a very weak inceptive oscillation in the behaviour of POD time coefficients in the upstream region.

Analytical Wake Modeling in Atmospheric Boundary Layers: Accounting for Wind Veer and Thermal Stratification

Reliable characterization of wind turbine wakes in the presence of Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) flows is crucial to accurately predict wind farm performance. Wind veering in the ABL shears the wake in the lateral direction, and wind veer strength depends on the thermal stability of the ABL. Analytical wake modeling approaches must capture these ABL effects to ensure correct prediction of the wake structure under varied atmospheric conditions. To this end, a new physics-based analytical wake model is developed in this study that is capable of predicting the shape of wakes influenced by wind veer and thermal stratification effects. This model combines a novel ABL wind field model with the Gaussian wake model. The new ABL wind model is capable of predicting both the streamwise and spanwise velocity components in conventionally neutral (CNBL) and stable (SBL) ABL flows. The analytical expressions for both of these horizontal velocity components adhere to Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST) in the surface layer, while capturing wind veering in the outer layer of the ABL. Incorporating this ABL model with the Gaussian wake model predicts laterally deflected wake shapes in a fully predictive and self-consistent fashion for a wide range of atmospheric conditions. The results also demonstrate that the enhanced wake model gives improved predictions relative to Large Eddy Simulations of power losses due to wake interactions under strongly stably stratified atmospheric conditions, where wind veer effects are dominant.

Application of Multi-objective Adjoint-based Aerodynamic Optimisation on Generic Road Vehicle with Rear Spoiler

Finding possible solutions where there are multiple conflicting objectives to be simultaneously satisfied is a challenging situation. Multi-objective optimisation of a rear spoiler on a generic road vehicle model is carried out by using adjoint-based optimisation coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics. The study aims to reduce the vehicle drag and increase vehicle downforce simultaneously by optimising the shape of the spoiler, by allowing the deformation to achieve the most optimised shape assuming no manufacturing constraint. The OpenFOAM software was used for the solver. A strategy for multi-objective optimisation was proposed by assigning appropriate objective function weight, leading to some possible solutions and Pareto front of the proposed design family. Five optimisation solutions of the non-dominated solution Pareto front resulting from the spoiler shape optimisation are presented, explaining the trade-off between conflicting drag and downforce objectives on the vehicle model. The baseline geometry of the simulation is in good agreement with the experimental measurement. The analysis of the shape changes in the proposed optimisation is deeply investigated in terms of the optimised geometry deformation, velocity contour comparison, recirculating region on the base, pressure coefficient comparison and stream-wise velocity component at the slant region of the model. The adjoint-based optimisation method in the presence study can handle multiple objective optimisations and generate possible optimised spoiler shapes to reduce drag and increase downforce. Free deformation of the shape yields in the unique shapes of the spoiler, enabling to manipulate of the base flow at the rear of the vehicle model.

Assessment of Laws of the Wall During Flame–Wall Interaction of Premixed Flames Within Turbulent Boundary Layers

The validity of the usual laws of the wall for Favre mean values of the streamwise velocity component and temperature for non-reacting flows has been assessed for turbulent premixed flame-wall interaction using Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data. Two different DNS databases corresponding to friction velocity-based Reynolds number of 110 and 180 representing unsteady head-on quenching of statistically planar flames within turbulent boundary layers have been considered. The usual log-law based expressions for the Favre mean values of the streamwise velocity and temperature for the inertial layer have been found to be inadequate at capturing the corresponding variations obtained from DNS data. The underlying assumptions of constant shear stress and the equilibrium of production and dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy underpinning the derivation of the usual log-law for the mean streamwise velocity have been found to be rendered invalid within the usual inertial layer during flame-wall interaction for both cases considered here. The heat flux does not remain constant within the usual inertial layer, and the turbulent flux of temperature exhibits counter-gradient transport within the so-called inertial layer for the cases considered in this work. These render the assumptions behind the derivation of the usual log-law for temperature to be invalid for application to turbulent flame-wall interaction. It has been found that previously proposed empirical modifications to the existing laws of the wall, which account for density and kinematic viscosity variations with temperature, do not significantly improve the agreement with the corresponding DNS data in the inertial layer and the inaccurate approximations for the kinematic viscosity compensated wall normal distance and the density compensated streamwise velocity component contribute to this disagreement. The DNS data has been utilised here to propose new expressions for the kinematic viscosity compensated wall normal distance and the density compensated streamwise velocity component, which upon using in the empirically modified law of wall expressions have been demonstrated to provide reasonable agreement with DNS data.

Assessment of Machine Learning Wall Modeling Approaches for Large Eddy Simulation of Gas Turbine Film Cooling Flows: An a Priori Study

Abstract In this work, a priori analysis of machine learning (ML) strategies is carried out with the goal of data-driven wall modeling for large eddy simulation (LES) of gas turbine film cooling flows. High-fidelity flow datasets are extracted from wall-resolved LES (WRLES) of flow over a flat plate interacting with the coolant flow supplied by a single row of 7-7-7 shaped cooling holes inclined at 30 degrees with the flat plate at different blowing ratios (BR). The WRLES are performed using the high-order Nek5000 spectral element computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. Light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) is employed as the ML algorithm for the data-driven wall model. Parametric tests are conducted to systematically assess the influence of a wide range of input flow features (velocity components, velocity gradients, pressure gradients, and fluid properties) on the accuracy of ML wall model with respect to prediction of wall shear stress. In addition, the use of spatial stencil and time delay is also explored within the ML wall modeling framework. It is shown that features associated with gradients of the streamwise and spanwise velocity components have a major impact on the prediction fidelity of wall model, while the effect of gradients of wall-normal velocity component is found to be negligible. Moreover, adding flow feature information from an x-y-z spatial stencil significantly improves the ML model accuracy and generalizability compared to just using local flow features from the matching location. Overall, highest prediction accuracy is achieved when both spatial stencil and time delay features are incorporated within the data-driven wall modeling paradigm.

A numerical method to mimic an experimental wind gust generator: The immersed boundary gust generator

To generate horizontal wind gusts in a classical wind tunnel, Wood, Breuer, and Neumann [A novel approach for artificially generating horizontal wind gusts based on a movable plate: The paddle,” J. Wind Eng. Ind. Aerodyn. 230, 105170 (2022)] developed a new wind gust generator denoted the “paddle.” The working principle relies on the partial blocking of the outlet of the wind tunnel nozzle by a plate that vertically moves into the free-stream. Based on laser-Doppler anemometer measurements of the velocity at only a few locations, the basic functionality of the device was proven. The objective of the present contribution is to numerically mimic the gust generator and the flow field induced by the paddle in the test section. Contrary to the single-point measurements, the three-dimensional time-resolved simulation delivers the entire flow field and thus allows to investigate all details of the generated gust. To describe the paddle motion, the immersed boundary method with a continuous and direct forcing approach is implemented into a finite-volume flow solver for large-eddy simulations. A uniform and a non-uniform distribution of the Lagrangian markers are investigated where the latter ensures that an excessive increase in the computational resources required can be avoided. The predictions allow to characterize the resulting flow features induced by the paddle in great detail. Furthermore, a comparison of the numerical and experimental results is carried out based on the time histories of the streamwise and vertical velocity components at certain positions showing a close agreement. Finally, the forces acting on the fluid by the moving paddle are evaluated.

POD Analysis of Flow around Torpedo-Like Geometry with a Hemispherical Nose

There has been an increased interest in underwater vehicles for a wide range of applications over the past decade. In the current study, flow characteristics around a common, torpedo-like geometry with a Myring profile were investigated at a length-based Reynolds number of Re=20000 using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). As a result of PIV and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) analyzes in this study; instantaneous streamline topology Ψ, instantaneous vorticity ωL⁄U_∞ contours, instantaneous streamwise velocity component u⁄U_∞ graphs, cross-streamwise velocity component v⁄U_∞ graphs, instantaneous vorticity ωL⁄U_∞ graphs, perpendicular to the flow direction, instantaneous vortex graphs and time-averaged TKE graphs were evaluated and compared. At the same time, as a result of PIV analysis, time-average streamline topology <Ψ> and Time-averaged vorticity <ωL⁄U_∞ > contours values are given. When the flow characteristics were compared by using the obtained POD method of the PIV results, it was determined that although the POD data were generally quite similar to the PIV results, the POD analysis results had a more uniform flow structure and vortex turbulence was lessened.

Pore-scale hydrodynamics of non-Newtonian power-law fluids across a partially blocked porous medium in a confined channel

Transport of non-Newtonian fluids in porous media is pervasive in many natural and industrial applications. However, capturing the rheological behaviors of fluids by direct experimental techniques is challenging at the pore-scale. This paper outlines the pore-scale hydrodynamic interactions of non-Newtonian power-law fluids across a partially blocked porous medium in the laminar flow regime by computational fluid dynamics. The porous medium consists of an array of uniformly arranged square pillars. We explore the complex interplay of power-law rheology and Reynolds number on the microscopic flow field at the pore-scale. We capture the momentum transfer at the permeable interface between the porous and non-porous regions through stream-wise and span-wise velocity components and average volumetric flow rates at each pore-throat. Our results unveil a significant augmentation in stream-wise momentum by shear-thinning behavior and a diminution in momentum by shear-thickening behavior of the fluid through the porous medium. Further, the flow-leakage at the top interface purely depends on the combined effects of Reynolds number and power-law index. The channel pressure drop between the windward and leeward faces of the porous medium increases with the power-law index at low Reynolds number, while it decreases at high Reynolds number. Moreover, we provide a simple numerical framework to comprehend how the power-law behavior of the fluid dynamically regulates the flow field at the pore-scale.

In-depth three-component assessment of wind turbine wake using stereo PIV under low tip speed ratio conditions

The behavior of wind turbine wake is unique and has a distinct pattern that often carries crucial information on the nature of wake propagation. This information plays a vital role in dictating the wind turbine wake model and subsequently in the design and placement of multirotor system. In most cases, either analytical or numerical, the representation of wind turbine wake is expressed as a streamwise flow deficit at different downstream locations. Though the result provides valuable information, the representation often lacks three-dimensional characterization, thus ignoring several influential factors that could potentially define the extent of propagation. In this aspect, an in-depth flow field mapping and assessment have been carried out behind a model horizontal-axis wind turbine using stereo particle image velocimetry (SPIV) under low tip speed ratio conditions. The three-component mapping using the time-resolved SPIV data helped to understand the notion of the wake's helical behavior and its relationship with the velocity deficit. Apart from the Gaussian-like (skew) distribution of the streamwise velocity component, the stereo assessment reveals the formation of two opposite crests supporting the helical analogy. Toward the end, a comparative assessment with the existing analytical models have been carried out.

Machine Learning Approach for Flow Fields Over a Circular Cylinder Based on Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements

Flow around a circular cylinder has been experimentally studied at Reynolds numbers of Re = 4 × 103 and Re = 8 × 103 using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method, a subset of machine learning, has been implemented to capture complex flow patterns and relationships within data to estimate the experimental results. Experimental and estimated results regarding instantaneous contour graphics for streamwise (u) and cross-stream (v) velocity components with velocity vector fields have been compared. Furthermore, drag coefficient (CD) and Strouhal number (St) have been validated. In flow features, instantaneous streamwise velocity components indicated a lower pressure zone in the wake region of the cylinder owing to flow separation. The ANN method has predicted the positions of the minimum velocity clusters with 3.2 % for Re = 8 × 103 as a mean relative error compared to the experimental results. Moreover, the average relative difference of 10.82 % between the experimental and the estimated results for the clusters with the minimum streamwise velocity components has been attained at Re = 4 × 103 and Re = 8 × 103. Regarding the cross-stream velocity components, the mean relative difference values have been observed for the clusters with maximum values of 6.83 % and the clusters with minimum values of 3.66 %. Drag coefficients have also been obtained, and these values are very close as CD = 1.090 and CD = 1.084 for PIV and ANN methods at Re = 8 × 103, respectively. Furthermore, St values of the circular cylinder are St = 0.216 at Re = 4 × 103 and St = 0.211 at Re = 8 × 103, which agree with the results of the literature.

NUMERICAL MODELING OF BACKWARD-FACING STEP FLOW VIA COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

As a fundamental case for problems of fluid mechanics, examination of flow separation and its reattachment is important for engineering applications. Considering the significance of the subject, backward-facing step flow has been modeled via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based on an experimental study previously done at Re = 5000. Steady simulations have been conducted by k-ε Renormalization Group (RNG) considering the same flow conditions of the reference study. Pressure distributions, streamwise and cross-stream velocity components, velocity magnitude values with streamline patterns and turbulence kinetic energy values have been presented by using contour graphics. Furthermore, the stations for pressure distributions, velocity profiles for streamwise components and turbulence kinetic energy values have been defined for evolution of related data. Lower pressure zone for the wake region of the backward-facing step has been attained due to flow separation. Separation of the upstream boundary layer has been seen and it became a curved one. Moreover, turbulence level of the step wake has been obtained as higher than those of any other points. Transition to core flow has been attained at y* = 1.1 that is above the step height. Flow oscillations have been observed for x* ≥ 2 and y* ≤ 1 since the fluctuations for these values were effective in the wake region. To sum up, the dimensionless reattachment length has been numerically obtained as 5.92 which is very good agreement with the experimental results at same Reynolds number. The deviation from the reference results is from 0.34 % to 1.33 %.

Self-Induced Large-Scale Motions in a Three-Dimensional Diffuser

A direct numerical simulation of a three-dimensional diffuser at Reynolds number Re = 10,000 (based on inlet bulk velocity) has been performed using a low-dissipation finite element code. The geometry chosen for this work is the Stanford diffuser, introduced by Cherry et al. (Int. J. Heat Fluid Flow 29:803–811, 2008). Results have been exhaustively compared with the published data with a quite good agreement. Additionally, further turbulent statistics have been provided such as the Reynolds stresses or the turbulent kinetic energy. A proper orthogonal decomposition and a dynamic mode decomposition analyses of the main flow variables have been performed to identify the main characteristics of the large-scale motions. A combined, self-induced movement of the large-scales has been found to originate in the top-right expansion corner with two clear features. A low-frequency diagonal cross-stream travelling wave first reported by Malm et al. (J. Fluid Mech. 699:320–351, 2012), has been clearly identified in the spatial modes of the stream-wise velocity components and the pressure, associated with the narrow band frequency of St∈[0.083,0.01]\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$St \\in [0.083,0.01]$$\\end{document}. This movement is caused by the geometrical expansion of the diffuser in the cross-stream direction. A second low-frequency trait has been identified associated with the persisting secondary flows and acting as a back and forth global accelerating-decelerating motion located on the straight area of the diffuser, with associated frequencies of St<0.005\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$St < 0.005$$\\end{document}. The smallest frequency observed in this work has been St=0.0013\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$St = 0.0013$$\\end{document}. This low-frequency observed in the Stanford diffuser points out the need for longer simulations in order to obtain further turbulent statistics.

Examination of air flow characteristics over an open rectangular cavity between the plates

Air flow characteristics of an open cavity have been numerically examined by using different turbulence models of Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), k-ε Realizable, k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) based on an experimental study of open literature. Numerical results of transient analyses have been compared to experimental results at cavity length-based Reynolds number of Re = 4600. Pressure distributions, streamline patterns, streamwise velocity components, mean velocity values and their vectors have been given in terms of contour graphics. Moreover, velocity profiles have been presented. Pressure fluctuations have been triggered by flow separation and its reattachment. Due to upstream separation of boundary layer, there was curved boundary layer obtained between the outer potential-flow-like and the recirculation zones. As a result, negative velocity values are evidence for rotational flows affected by formation of secondary flows in the cavity. Furthermore, lower pressure region has been observed as a result of rotational flow which was powerful in the open cavity. Numerical results of DES and LES turbulence models are in good agreement with the results of reference study. As the numerical results obtained by LES turbulence model are approximately same with those of experimental reference study, LES turbulence model is mostly recommended. As an option to these turbulence models, k-ω SST model could be utilized for limited computer capacity. However, k-ε Realizable model is not sufficient for capturing rotational flows which are very effective in terms of present case.