scholarly journals Single-Interface Richtmyer–Meshkov Turbulent Mixing at the Los Alamos Vertical Shock Tube

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. Wilson ◽  
R. Mejia-Alvarez ◽  
K. P. Prestridge

Mach number and initial conditions effects on Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) mixing are studied by the vertical shock tube (VST) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). At the VST, a perturbed stable light-to-heavy (air–SF6, A = 0.64) interface is impulsively accelerated with a shock wave to induce RM mixing. We investigate changes to both large and small scales of mixing caused by changing the incident Mach number (Ma = 1.3 and 1.45) and the three-dimensional (3D) perturbations on the interface. Simultaneous density (quantitative planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF)) and velocity (particle image velocimetry (PIV)) measurements are used to characterize preshock initial conditions and the dynamic shocked interface. Initial conditions and fluid properties are characterized before shock. Using two types of dynamic measurements, time series (N = 5 realizations at ten locations) and statistics (N = 100 realizations at a single location) of the density and velocity fields, we calculate several mixing quantities. Mix width, density-specific volume correlations, density–vorticity correlations, vorticity, enstrophy, strain, and instantaneous dissipation rate are examined at one downstream location. Results indicate that large-scale mixing, such as the mix width, is strongly dependent on Mach number, whereas small scales are strongly influenced by initial conditions. The enstrophy and strain show focused mixing activity in the spike regions.

Author(s):  
Savvas S. Xanthos ◽  
Yiannis Andreopoulos

The interaction of traveling expansion waves with grid-generated turbulence was investigated in a large-scale shock tube research facility. The incident shock and the induced flow behind it passed through a rectangular grid, which generated a nearly homogeneous and nearly isotropic turbulent flow. As the shock wave exited the open end of the shock tube, a system of expansion waves was generated which traveled upstream and interacted with the grid-generated turbulence; a type of interaction free from streamline curvature effects, which cause additional effects on turbulence. In this experiment, wall pressure, total pressure and velocity were measured indicating a clear reduction in fluctuations. The incoming flow at Mach number 0.46 was expanded to a flow with Mach number 0.77 by an applied mean shear of 100 s−1. Although the strength of the generated expansion waves was mild, the effect on damping fluctuations on turbulence was clear. A reduction of in the level of total pressure fluctuations by 20 per cent was detected in the present experiments.


1995 ◽  
Vol 284 ◽  
pp. 171-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. T. Clemens ◽  
M. G. Mungal

Experiments were conducted in a two-stream planar mixing layer at convective Mach numbers,Mc, of 0.28, 0.42, 0.50, 0.62 and 0.79. Planar laser Mie scattering (PLMS) from a condensed alcohol fog and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of nitric oxide were used for flow visualization in the side, plan and end views. The PLIF signals were also used to characterize the turbulent mixture fraction fluctuations.Visualizations using PLMS indicate a transition in the turbulent structure from quasi-two-dimensionality at low convective Mach number, to more random three-dimensionality for$M_c\geqslant 0.62$. A transition is also observed in the core and braid regions of the spanwise rollers as the convective Mach number increases from 0.28 to 0.62. A change in the entrainment mechanism with increasing compressibility is also indicated by signal intensity profiles and perspective views of the PLMS and PLIF images. These show that atMc= 0.28 the instantaneous mixture fraction field typically exhibits a gradient in the streamwise direction, but is more uniform in the cross-stream direction. AtMc= 0.62 and 0.79, however, the mixture fraction field is more streamwise uniform and with a gradient in the cross-stream direction. This change in the composition of the structures is indicative of different entrainment motions at the different compressibility conditions. The statistical results are consistent with the qualitative observations and suggest that compressibility acts to reduce the magnitude of the mixture fraction fluctuations, particularly on the high-speed edge of the layer.


2001 ◽  
Vol 432 ◽  
pp. 219-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. BRIASSULIS ◽  
J. H. AGUI ◽  
Y. ANDREOPOULOS

A decaying compressible nearly homogeneous and nearly isotropic grid-generated turbulent flow has been set up in a large scale shock tube research facility. Experiments have been performed using instrumentation with spatial resolution of the order of 7 to 26 Kolmogorov viscous length scales. A variety of turbulence-generating grids provided a wide range of turbulence scales with bulk flow Mach numbers ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 and turbulent Reynolds numbers up to 700. The decay of Mach number fluctuations was found to follow a power law similar to that describing the decay of incompressible isotropic turbulence. It was also found that the decay coefficient and the decay exponent decrease with increasing Mach number while the virtual origin increases with increasing Mach number. A possible mechanism responsible for these effects appears to be the inherently low growth rate of compressible shear layers emanating from the cylindrical rods of the grid. Measurements of the time-dependent, three dimensional vorticity vectors were attempted for the first time with a 12-wire miniature probe. This also allowed estimates of dilatation, compressible dissipation and dilatational stretching to be obtained. It was found that the fluctuations of these quantities increase with increasing mean Mach number of the flow. The time-dependent signals of enstrophy, vortex stretching/tilting vector and dilatational stretching vector were found to exhibit a rather strong intermittent behaviour which is characterized by high-amplitude bursts with values up to 8 times their r.m.s. within periods of less violent and longer lived events. Several of these bursts are evident in all the signals, suggesting the existence of a dynamical flow phenomenon as a common cause.


Author(s):  
Roger W. Ainsworth ◽  
John L. Allen ◽  
J. Julian M. Batt

The advent of a new generation of transient rotating turbine simulation facilities, where engine values of Reynolds and Mach number are matched simultaneously together with the relevant rotational parameters for dimensional similitude (Dunn et al [1988], Epstein et al [1984]. Ainsworth et al [1988]), has provided the stimulus for developing improved instrumentation for investigating the aerodynamic flows in these stages. Much useful work has been conducted in the past using hot-wire and laser anemometers. However, hot-wire anemometers are prone to breakage in the high pressure flows required for correct Reynolds numbers, Furthermore some laser techniques require a longer runtime than these transient facilites permit, and generally yield velocity information only, giving no data on loss production. Advances in semiconductor aerodynamic probes are beginning to fulfil this perceived need. This paper describes advances made in the design, construction, and testing of two and three dimensional fast response aerodynamic probes, where semiconductor pressure sensors are mounted directly on the surface of the probes, using techniques which have previously been successfully used on the surface of rotor blades (Ainsworth, Dietz and Nunn [1991]). These are to be used to measure Mach number and flow direction in compressible unsteady flow regimes. In the first section, a brief review is made of the sensor and associated technology which has been developed to permit a flexible design of fast response aerodynamic probe. Following this, an extensive programme of testing large scale aerodynamic models of candidate geometries for suitable semiconductor scale probes is described, and the results of these discussed. The conclusions of these experiments, conducted for turbine representative mean and unsteady flows, yielded new information for optimising the design of the small scale semiconductor probes, in terms of probe geometry, sensor placement, and aerodynamic performance. Details are given of a range of wedge and pyramid semiconductor probes constructed, and the procedures used in calibrating and making measurements with them. Differences in performance are discussed, allowing the experimenter to choose an appropriate probe for the particular measurement required. Finally, the application of prototype semiconductor probes in a transient rotor experiment at HP turbine representative conditions is described, and the data so obtained is compared with (PD solutions of the unsteady viscous flow-field.


Geophysics ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 692-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hubral ◽  
Jorg Schleicher ◽  
Martin Tygel

Zero‐offset reflections resulting from point sources are often computed on a large scale in three‐dimensional (3-D) laterally inhomogeneous isotropic media with the help of ray theory. The geometrical‐spreading factor and the number of caustics that determine the shape of the reflected pulse are then generally obtained by integrating the so‐called dynamic ray‐tracing system down and up to the two‐way normal incidence ray. Assuming that this ray is already known, we show that one integration of the dynamic ray‐tracing system in a downward direction with only the initial condition of a point source at the earth’s surface is in fact sufficient to obtain both results. To establish the Fresnel zone of the zero‐offset reflection upon the reflector requires the same single downward integration. By performing a second downward integration (using the initial conditions of a plane wave at the earth’s surface) the complete Fresnel volume around the two‐way normal ray can be found. This should be known to ascertain the validity of the computed zero‐offset event. A careful analysis of the problem as performed here shows that round‐trip integrations of the dynamic ray‐tracing system following the actually propagating wavefront along the two‐way normal ray need never be considered. In fact some useful quantities related to the two‐way normal ray (e.g., the normal‐moveout velocity) require only one single integration in one specific direction only. Finally, a two‐point ray tracing for normal rays can be derived from one‐way dynamic ray tracing.


1976 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Pouquet ◽  
U. Frisch ◽  
J. Léorat

To understand the turbulent generation of large-scale magnetic fields and to advance beyond purely kinematic approaches to the dynamo effect like that introduced by Steenbeck, Krause & Radler (1966)’ a new nonlinear theory is developed for three-dimensional, homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible MHD turbulence with helicity, i.e. not statistically invariant under plane reflexions. For this, techniques introduced for ordinary turbulence in recent years by Kraichnan (1971 a)’ Orszag (1970, 1976) and others are generalized to MHD; in particular we make use of the eddy-damped quasi-normal Markovian approximation. The resulting closed equations for the evolution of the kinetic and magnetic energy and helicity spectra are studied both theoretically and numerically in situations with high Reynolds number and unit magnetic Prandtl number.Interactions between widely separated scales are much more important than for non-magnetic turbulence. Large-scale magnetic energy brings to equipartition small-scale kinetic and magnetic excitation (energy or helicity) by the ‘Alfvén effect’; the small-scale ‘residual’ helicity, which is the difference between a purely kinetic and a purely magnetic helical term, induces growth of large-scale magnetic energy and helicity by the ‘helicity effect’. In the absence of helicity an inertial range occurs with a cascade of energy to small scales; to lowest order it is a −3/2 power law with equipartition of kinetic and magnetic energy spectra as in Kraichnan (1965) but there are −2 corrections (and possibly higher ones) leading to a slight excess of magnetic energy. When kinetic energy is continuously injected, an initial seed of magnetic field will grow to approximate equipartition, at least in the small scales. If in addition kinetic helicity is injected, an inverse cascade of magnetic helicity is obtained leading to the appearance of magnetic energy and helicity in ever-increasing scales (in fact, limited by the size of the system). This inverse cascade, predicted by Frischet al.(1975), results from a competition between the helicity and Alféh effects and yields an inertial range with approximately — 1 and — 2 power laws for magnetic energy and helicity. When kinetic helicity is injected at the scale linjand the rate$\tilde{\epsilon}^V$(per unit mass), the time of build-up of magnetic energy with scaleL[Gt ] linjis$t \approx L(|\tilde{\epsilon}^V|l^2_{\rm inj})^{-1/3}.$


1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 625-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Ainsworth ◽  
J. L. Allen ◽  
J. J. M. Batt

The advent of a new generation of transient rotating turbine simulation facilities, where engine values of Reynolds and Mach number are matched simultaneously together with the relevant rotational parameters for dimensional similitude (Dunn et al., 1988; Epstein and Guenette, 1984; Ainsworth et al., 1988), has provided the stimulus for developing improved instrumentation for investigating the aerodynamic flows in these stages. Much useful work has been conducted in the past using hot-wire and laser anemometers. However, hot-wire anemometers are prone to breakage in the high-pressure flows required for correct Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, some laser techniques require a longer run-time than these transient facilities permit, and generally yield velocity information only, giving no data on loss production. Advances in semiconductor aerodynamic probes are beginning to fulfill this perceived need. This paper describes advances made in the design, construction, and testing of two and three-dimensional fast response aerodynamic probes, where semiconductor pressure sensors are mounted directly on the surface of the probes, using techniques that have previously been successfully used on the surface of rotor blades (Ainsworth et al., 1991). These are to be used to measure Mach number and flow direction in compressible unsteady flow regimes. In the first section, a brief review is made of the sensor and associated technology that has been developed to permit a flexible design of fast response aerodynamic probe. Following this, an extensive program of testing large-scale aerodynamic models of candidate geometries for suitable semiconductor scale probes is described, and the results of these discussed. The conclusions of these experiments, conducted for turbine representative mean and unsteady flows, yielded new information for optimizing the design of the small-scale semiconductor probes, in terms of probe geometry, sensor placement, and aerodynamic performance. Details are given of a range of wedge and pyramid semiconductor probes constructed, and the procedures used in calibrating and making measurements with them. Differences in performance are discussed, allowing the experimenter to choose an appropriate probe for the particular measurement required. Finally, the application of prototype semiconductor probes in a transient rotor experiment at HP turbine representative conditions is described, and the data so obtained are compared with CFD solutions of the unsteady viscous flow-field.


2013 ◽  
Vol 716 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Waite

AbstractThe parameter regime of strong stable density stratification and weak rotation is an important one in geophysical fluid dynamics. These conditions exist at intermediate length scales in the atmosphere and ocean (mesoscale and sub-mesoscale, respectively), and turbulence here links large-scale quasi-geostrophic motions with small-scale dissipation. While major advances in the theory of stratified turbulence have been made over the last few decades, many open questions remain, particularly about the nature of the energy cascade. Recent numerical experiments and analysis by Augier, Chomaz & Billant (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 713, 2012, pp. 86–108) present a remarkably vivid illustration of the nonlinear interactions that drive such turbulence. They consider a columnar vortex dipole, which naturally three-dimensionalizes under the influence of strong stratification. Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities subsequently transfer energy directly to small scales, where the flow transitions into three-dimensional turbulence. This direct link between large and small scales is quite distinct from the usual picture of a turbulent cascade, in which nonlinear interactions are local in scale. But how important is this mechanism in the atmosphere and ocean?


2016 ◽  
Vol 811 ◽  
pp. 701-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. He ◽  
R. S. Gioria ◽  
J. M. Pérez ◽  
V. Theofilis

Two- and three-dimensional modal and non-modal instability mechanisms of steady spanwise-homogeneous laminar separated flow over airfoil profiles, placed at large angles of attack against the oncoming flow, have been investigated using global linear stability theory. Three NACA profiles of distinct thickness and camber were considered in order to assess geometry effects on the laminar–turbulent transition paths discussed. At the conditions investigated, large-scale steady separation occurs, such that Tollmien–Schlichting and cross-flow mechanisms have not been considered. It has been found that the leading modal instability on all three airfoils is that associated with the Kelvin–Helmholtz mechanism, taking the form of the eigenmodes known from analysis of generic bluff bodies. The three-dimensional stationary eigenmode of the two-dimensional laminar separation bubble, associated in earlier analyses with the formation on the airfoil surface of large-scale separation patterns akin to stall cells, is shown to be more strongly damped than the Kelvin–Helmholtz mode at all conditions examined. Non-modal instability analysis reveals the potential of the flows considered to sustain transient growth which becomes stronger with increasing angle of attack and Reynolds number. Optimal initial conditions have been computed and found to be analogous to those on a cascade of low pressure turbine blades. By changing the time horizon of the analysis, these linear optimal initial conditions have been found to evolve into the Kelvin–Helmholtz mode. The time-periodic base flows ensuing linear amplification of the Kelvin–Helmholtz mode have been analysed via temporal Floquet theory. Two amplified modes have been discovered, having characteristic spanwise wavelengths of approximately 0.6 and 2 chord lengths, respectively. Unlike secondary instabilities on the circular cylinder, three-dimensional short-wavelength perturbations are the first to become linearly unstable on all airfoils. Long-wavelength perturbations are quasi-periodic, standing or travelling-wave perturbations that also become unstable as the Reynolds number is further increased. The dominant short-wavelength instability gives rise to spanwise periodic wall-shear patterns, akin to the separation cells encountered on airfoils at low angles of attack and the stall cells found in flight at conditions close to stall. Thickness and camber have quantitative but not qualitative effect on the secondary instability analysis results obtained.


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