Three-dimensional Spectral Method Research Articles

A 3D pseudo-spectral low Mach-number solver for buoyancy driven flows with large temperature differences

A three-dimensional spectral method based on a Chebyshev/Chebyshev/Fourier discretization is proposed to integrate the Navier–Stokes equations for natural convection flow with large temperature differences under the low Mach-number approximation. The generalized Stokes problem arising from the time discretization by a second-order semi-implicit scheme is solved by a preconditioned iterative Uzawa algorithm. The spectrally convergent algorithm is validated on well-documented Boussinesq and non-Boussinesq benchmarks. Finally, non-Boussineq convection is investigated in a tall differentially heated cavity of aspect ratio 8 with one homogeneous direction. The technique is shown to be efficient in terms of computing performances and accuracy. The study brings new stability results evidencing 3D effects compared to both Boussinesq convection and former two-dimensional non-Boussinesq solutions. In particular, for Ra⩾105 two-dimensional solutions are shown to be unstable with respect to three-dimensional perturbations. A Görtler-type instability grows in the region of the curved streamlines at both ends of the cavity and gives rise to 3D steady and oscillatory solutions. At higher Rayleigh numbers, these vortices eventually interact with a boundary layer instability leading to complex dynamics with multiple steady and unsteady stable solutions.

A 3D Chebyshev-Fourier algorithm for convection equations in low Mach number approximation

A three-dimensional spectral method based on Chebyshev-Chebyshev-Fourier discretizations is presented in the framework of the low Mach number approximation of Navier-Stokes equations. The working fluid is assumed to be a perfect gas with constant thermodynamic properties. The generalized Stokes problem, which arises from the time discretization by a second-order semi-implicit scheme, is solved by a preconditioned iterative Uzawa algorithm. Several validation results are presented in the case of steady and unsteady flows. This model is also evaluated for natural convection flows with large density variations in the case of a tall differentially heated cavity of aspect ratio 8. It is found that on contrary to convection at small temperature differences (Boussinesq), the 2D unsteady solution at Ra = 3.4 x 105 is unstable to 3D perturbations.

A 3D Chebyshev-Fourier algorithm for convection equations in low Mach number approximation

A three-dimensional spectral method based on Chebyshev-Chebyshev-Fourier discretizations is presented in the framework of the low Mach number approximation of Navier-Stokes equations. The working fluid is assumed to be a perfect gas with constant thermodynamic properties. The generalized Stokes problem, which arises from the time discretization by a second-order semi-implicit scheme, is solved by a preconditioned iterative Uzawa algorithm. Several validation results are presented in the case of steady and unsteady flows. This model is also evaluated for natural convection flows with large density variations in the case of a tall differentially heated cavity of aspect ratio 8. It is found that on contrary to convection at small temperature differences (Boussinesq), the 2D unsteady solution at Ra = 3.4 x 105 is unstable to 3D perturbations.

Stability of Taylor–Couette flow in a finite-length cavity with radial throughflow

Linear stability analysis predicts that a radial throughflow in a Taylor–Couette system will alter the stability of the flow, but the underlying physics for the stabilization of the flow is unclear. We investigate the impact of radial inflow and outflow on Taylor vortex flow and wavy vortex flow in a finite-length cavity via direct numerical simulation using a three-dimensional spectral method. The numerical simulations are consistent with linear stability predictions in that radial inflow and strong radial outflow have a stabilizing effect, while weak radial outflow destabilizes the system slightly. A small radial outflow velocity enhances the strength of the Taylor vortices resulting in destabilization of the base flow, whereas strong radial outflow and radial inflow reduce vortex strength, thus stabilizing the system. The transition to wavy vortex flow is unaffected by small radial outflow, but is stabilized for radial inflow. For strong radial outflow the wavy vortex flow includes localized dislocations in the vortex structure.

Ekman vortices and the centrifugal instability in counter-rotating cylindrical Couette flow

The finite length of a Taylor–Couette cell introduces endwall effects that interact with the centrifugal instability. We investigate the interaction between the endwall Ekman boundary layers and the vortical structures in a finite-length cavity with counter-rotating cylinders via direct numerical simulation using a three-dimensional spectral method. To analyze the nature of the interaction between the vortices and the endwall layers we consider four endwall boundary conditions: fixed endwalls, endwalls rotating with the outer cylinder, endwalls rotating with the inner cylinder, and stress-free endwalls. The vortical structure of the flow depends on the endwall conditions. The waviness of the vortices is suppressed only very near the endwall, primarily due to zero axial velocity at the endwall rather than viscous effects. In spite of their waviness and random behavior, the vortices generally stay inside of the vθ=0 isosurface by adjusting quickly to the radial transport of azimuthal momentum. The thickness and strength of the Ekman layer at the endwall match with that predicted from a simple theoretical approach.

Interaction of wavy cylindrical Couette flow with endwalls

The finite length of a Taylor–Couette cell introduces endwall effects that interact with the centrifugal instability and the subsequent wavy vortex flow. We investigate the interaction between the endwall Ekman boundary layers and the wavy vortices in a finite-length cavity via direct numerical simulation using a three-dimensional spectral method. To analyze the nature of the interaction between the vortices and the endwall layers, we consider three endwall boundary conditions: fixed endwalls, endwalls rotating with the inner cylinder, and stress-free endwalls. Near the endwalls, the waviness is diminished, primarily due to the effect of the flatness of the endwall rather than as a result of the no-slip boundary condition at the endwall. However, the waviness is present just one or two vortices away from the endwalls, indicating that the effect of the endwall on waviness does not penetrate far from the endwall. The interaction of the waviness with the endwall Ekman layer does not appear to result in disorder in the flow, either in the endwall vortex or farther from the endwall. Likewise, the waviness does not significantly alter Ekman layer thickness from that predicted based on theory.

Spiral and Wavy Vortex Flows in Short Counter-Rotating Taylor-Couette Cells

Differentially rotating cylinders result in a rich variety of vortical flows for cylindrical Couette flow. In this study we investigate the case of a short, finite-length cavity with counter-rotating cylinders via direct numerical simulation using a three-dimensional spectral method. We consider aspect ratios ranging from 5 to 6. Two complex flow regimes, wavy vortices and interpenetrating spirals, occur with similar appearance to those found experimentally for much larger aspect ratios. For wavy vortices the wave speed is similar to that found for counter-rotating systems and systems in which the outer cylinder is stationary. For the interpenetrating spiral structure, the vortices are largely confined to the unstable region near the inner cylinder. The endwalls appear to damp and stabilize the flow as the aspect ratio is reduced to the point that in some cases the vortical flow is suppressed. At higher inner cylinder speeds, the interpenetrating spirals acquire a waviness and the vortices, while generally near the inner cylinder, can extend all of the way to the outer cylinder.

Direct numerical simulation of transitional turbulent flow in a closed rotor-stator cavity

The transitional turbulent regime in confined flow between a rotating and a stationary disc is studied using direct numerical simulation. Besides its fundamental importance as a three-dimensional prototype flow, such flows frequently arise in many industrial devices, especially in turbomachinary applications. The present contribution extends the DNS simulation into the turbulent flow regime, to a rotational Reynolds number Re =3 × 105. An annular rotor-stator cavity of radial extension ΔR and height H, is considered with L = 4.72(L = ΔR/H) and Rm = 2.33 (Rm = (R1+ R0)/ΔR). The direct numerical simulation is performed by integrating the time-dependent Navier–Stokes equations until a statistically steady state is reached. A three-dimensional spectral method is used with the aim of providing both very accurate instantaneous fields and reliable statistical data. The instantaneous quantities are analysed in order to enhance our knowledge of the physics of turbulent rotating flows. Also, the results have been averaged so as to provide target turbulence data for any subsequent modelling attempts at reproducing the flow.

Identification of complex flows in Taylor–Couette counter-rotating cavities

The transition in confined rotating flows is a topical problem with many industrial and fundamental applications. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Taylor–Couette flow in a finite-length cavity with counter-rotating walls, for two aspect ratios L=5 or L=6. Two complex regimes of wavy vortex and spirals are emphasized for the first time via direct numerical simulation, by using a three-dimensional spectral method. The spatio-temporal behavior of the solutions is analyzed and compared to the few data actually available.

Instabilité tridimensionnelle dans une cavité inter-disque de type rotor-stator

This Note considers the direct numerical simulation of transitional flows inside a rotor-stator cavity using a three-dimensional spectral method. The investigation shows the occurrence of a steady axisymmetric instability, which was not previously revealed numerically although demonstrated experimentally by Sirivat. At the same Reynolds number, two axisymmetric and three-dimensional structures can be found. The instabilities are analysed with respect to relevant characteristic flow parameters such as the frequency, the phase velocity, the wavelength and the angle of the spiral with respect to the azimuthal direction. The relevance of type I and type II instabilities is discussed.