A New Model for Boundary-Layer Transition Using a Single-Point RANS Approach

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Keith Walters ◽  
James H. Leylek
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Heated Wall ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
New Model ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

This paper presents the development and implementation of a new model for bypass and natural transition prediction using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) CFD, based on modification of two-equation, linear eddy-viscosity turbulence models. The new model is developed herein based on considerations of the universal character of transitional boundary layers that have recently been documented in the open literature, and implemented into a popular commercial CFD code (Fluent) in order to assess its performance. Two transitional test cases are presented: (1) a boundary layer developing on a flat heated wall, with free-stream turbulence intensity (Tu∞) ranging from 0.2 to 6%; and (2) flow over a turbine stator vane, with chord Reynolds number 2.3×105, and Tu∞ from 0.6 to 20%. Results are presented in terms of Stanton number, and compared to experimental data for both cases. Results show good agreement with the test cases and suggest that the new approach has potential as a predictive tool.

A New Model for Boundary Layer Transition Using a Single-Point RANS Approach

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Keith Walters ◽  
James H. Leylek
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Heated Wall ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
New Model ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

This paper presents the development and implementation of a new model for bypass and natural transition prediction using Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD), based on modification of two-equation, linear eddy-viscosity turbulence models. The new model is developed herein based on considerations of the universal character of transitional boundary layers that have recently been documented in the open literature, and implemented into a popular commercial CFD code (FLUENT) in order to assess its performance. Two transitional test cases are presented: (1) a boundary layer developing on a flat heated wall, with free-stream turbulence intensity Tu∞ ranging from 0.2 to 6%; and (2) flow over a turbine stator vane, with chord Reynolds number 2.3×105, and Tu∞ from 0.6 to 20%. Results are presented in terms of Stanton number, and compared to experimental data for both cases. Results show good agreement with the test cases and suggest that the new approach has potential as a predictive tool.

Simulation of Transitional Boundary-Layer Development on a Highly-Loaded Turbine Cascade With Advanced RANS Modeling

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Keith Walters ◽  
James H. Leylek
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
New Model ◽  
Boundary Layer Development ◽  
Layer Development ◽  
Highly Loaded

This paper documents computational simulations of the flow over a modern, highly-loaded turbine vane, including boundary-layer transition. Accurate prediction of transition has traditionally been difficult for commonly available RANS-based turbulence models. The present simulations used an advanced version of a three-equation eddy viscosity model recently developed and documented by the current authors. The new model is an elliptic single-point method, developed based on considerations of the universal character of pre-transitional boundary layers that have recently been published in the open literature. Simulations were performed at an engine-realistic chord Reynolds number (2.3×105) and with varying freestream turbulence intensities of 0.6, 10, and 19.5%. Detailed comparisons are made within the developing boundary layer, on both the suction and pressure surfaces, between the simulations and high-fidelity experimental measurements that have been previously documented in the open literature. Comparison of both mean velocity and Reynolds stress profiles indicates that the new model shows potential for predicting boundary layer development, including development of pre-transitional fluctuations and subsequent breakdown to turbulence.

Simulating Boundary Layer Transition With Low-Reynolds-Number k–ε Turbulence Models: Part 1—An Evaluation of Prediction Characteristics

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Schmidt ◽  
S. V. Patankar
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
External Boundary ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

An analysis and evaluation of the capability of k–ε low-Reynolds-number turbulence models to predict transition in external boundary-layer flows subject to free-stream turbulence is presented. The similarities between the near-wall cross-stream regions in a fully turbulent boundary layer and the progressive stages through which developing boundary layers pass in the streamwise direction are used to describe the mechanisms by which the models simulate the transition process. Two representative models (Jones and Launder, 1972; Lam and Bremhorst, 1981) are employed in a series of computational tests designed to answer some specific practical questions about the ability of these models to yield accurate, reliable answers over a range of free-stream turbulence conditions.

Boundary-Layer Transition Affected by Surface Roughness and Free-Stream Turbulence

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Roberts ◽  
M. I. Yaras
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Separation Bubble ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Test Matrix ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Attached Flow

This paper presents experimental results documenting the effects of surface roughness and free-stream turbulence on boundary-layer transition. The experiments were conducted on a flat surface, upon which a pressure distribution similar to those prevailing on the suction side of low-pressure turbine blades was imposed. The test matrix consists of five variations in the roughness conditions, at each of three free-stream turbulence intensities (approximately 0.5%, 2.5%, and 4.5%), and two flow Reynolds numbers of 350,000 and 470,000. The ranges of these parameters considered in the study, which are typical of low-pressure turbines, resulted in both attached-flow and separation-bubble transition. The focus of the paper is on separation-bubble transition, but the few attached-flow test cases that occurred under high roughness and free-stream turbulence conditions are also presented for completeness of the test matrix. Based on the experimental results, the effects of surface roughness on the location of transition onset and the rate of transition are quantified, and the sensitivity of these effects to free-stream turbulence is established. The Tollmien–Schlichting instability mechanism is shown to be responsible for transition in each of the test cases presented. The root-mean-square height of the surface roughness elements, their planform size and spacing, and the skewness (bias towards depression or protrusion roughness) of the roughness distribution are shown to be relevant to quantifying the effects of roughness on the transition process.

Simulating Boundary Layer Transition With Low-Reynolds-Number k–ε Turbulence Models: Part 2—An Approach to Improving the Predictions

1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Schmidt ◽  
S. V. Patankar
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Low Reynolds Number ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Turbulent Regime ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Production Term ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Reynolds

An approach for improving the prediction of boundary layer transition with k–ε type low-Reynolds-number turbulence models is developed and tested. A modification is proposed that limits the production term in the turbulent kinetic energy equation and is based on a simple stability criterion and correlated to the free-stream turbulence level. The modification becomes inactive in the fully turbulent regime, but is shown to improve both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the transition predictions. Although the approach is not limited to a particular low-Reynolds-number model, it is implemented herein using the model of Lam and Bremhorst (1981).

Effects of Reynolds Number and Free-Stream Turbulence on Boundary Layer Transition in a Compressor Cascade

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heinz-Adolf Schreiber ◽  
Wolfgang Steinert ◽  
Bernhard Küsters
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
High Reynolds Numbers ◽  
High Turbulence ◽  
High Reynolds

An experimental and analytical study has been performed on the effect of Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence on boundary layer transition location on the suction surface of a controlled diffusion airfoil (CDA). The experiments were conducted in a rectilinear cascade facility at Reynolds numbers between 0.7 and 3.0×106 and turbulence intensities from about 0.7 to 4%. An oil streak technique and liquid crystal coatings were used to visualize the boundary layer state. For small turbulence levels and all Reynolds numbers tested the accelerated front portion of the blade is laminar and transition occurs within a laminar separation bubble shortly after the maximum velocity near 35–40% of chord. For high turbulence levels (Tu > 3%) and high Reynolds numbers transition propagates upstream into the accelerated front portion of the CDA blade. For those conditions, the sensitivity to surface roughness increases considerably and at Tu = 4% bypass transition is observed near 7–10% of chord. Experimental results are compared to theoretical predictions using the transition model which is implemented in the MISES code of Youngren and Drela. Overall the results indicate that early bypass transition at high turbulence levels must alter the profile velocity distribution for compressor blades that are designed and optimized for high Reynolds numbers.

Effects of Concave Curvature on Boundary Layer Transition Under High Free-Stream Turbulence Conditions

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Schultz ◽  
Ralph J. Volino
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Turbulent Transport ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Transitional Flow ◽  
Turbulent Shear ◽  
Radius Of Curvature ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Turbulent Shear Stress

An experimental investigation has been carried out on a transitional boundary layer subject to high (initially 9%) free-stream turbulence, strong acceleration K=ν/Uw2dUw/dxas high as9×10-6, and strong concave curvature (boundary layer thickness between 2% and 5% of the wall radius of curvature). Mean and fluctuating velocity as well as turbulent shear stress are documented and compared to results from equivalent cases on a flat wall and a wall with milder concave curvature. The data show that curvature does have a significant effect, moving the transition location upstream, increasing turbulent transport, and causing skin friction to rise by as much as 40%. Conditional sampling results are presented which show that the curvature effect is present in both the turbulent and non-turbulent zones of the transitional flow.

Boundary Layer Transition Under High Free-Stream Turbulence and Strong Acceleration Conditions: Part 1—Mean Flow Results

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Volino ◽  
T. W. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Skin Friction ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Temperature Profiles ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Transfer Coefficients ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

Measurements from heated boundary layers along a concave-curved test wall subject to high (initially 8 percent) free-stream turbulence intensity and strong (K = (ν/U∞2) dU∞/dx) as high as 9 × 10−6) acceleration are presented and discussed. Conditions for the experiments were chosen to roughly simulate those present on the downstream half of the pressure side of a gas turbine airfoil. Mean velocity and temperature profiles as well as skin friction and heat transfer coefficients are presented. The transition zone is of extended length in spite of the high free-stream turbulence level. Transitional values of skin friction coefficients and Stanton numbers drop below flat-plate, low-free-stream-turbulence, turbulent flow correlations, but remain well above laminar flow values. The mean velocity and temperature profiles exhibit clear changes in shape as the flow passes through transition. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed documentation of a high-free-stream-turbulence boundary layer flow in such a strong acceleration field.

Effects of Weak Free Stream Nonuniformity on Boundary Layer Transition (Keynote Paper)

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Watmuff
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Tollmien Schlichting ◽  
Distorted Waves ◽  
Thickness Variations

Experiments are described in which well-defined FSN (Free Stream Nonuniformity) distributions are introduced by placing fine wires upstream of the leading edge of a flat plate. Large amplitude spanwise thickness variations are present in the downstream boundary layer resulting from the interaction of the laminar wakes with the leading edge. Regions of elevated background unsteadiness appear on either side of the peak layer thickness, which share many of the characteristics of Klebanoff modes, observed at elevated Free Stream Turbulence (FST) levels. However, for the low background disturbance level of the free stream, the layer remains laminar to the end of the test section (Rx ≈ l.4×106) and there is no evidence of bursting or other phenomena associated with breakdown to turbulence. A vibrating ribbon apparatus is used to demonstrate that the deformation of the mean flow is responsible for substantial phase and amplitude distortion of Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves. Pseudo-flow visualization of hot-wire data shows that the breakdown of the distorted waves is more complex and occurs at a lower Reynolds number than the breakdown of the K-type secondary instability observed when the FSN is not present.

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