Fluid dynamic turbulence is one of the most challenging computational physics problems because of the extremely wide range of time and space scales involved, the strong nonlinearity of the governing equations, and the many practical and important applications. While most linear fluid instabilities are well understood, the nonlinear interactions among them makes even the relatively simple limit of homogeneous isotropic turbulence difficult to treat physically, mathematically, and computationally. Turbulence is modeled computationally by a two-stage bootstrap process. The first stage, direct numerical simulation, attempts to resolve the relevant physical time and space scales but its application is limited to diffusive flows with a relatively small Reynolds number (Re). Using direct numerical simulation to provide a database, in turn, allows calibration of phenomenological turbulence models for engineering applications. Large eddy simulation incorporates a form of turbulence modeling applicable when the large-scale flows of interest are intrinsically time dependent, thus throwing common statistical models into question. A promising approach to large eddy simulation involves the use of high-resolution monotone computational fluid dynamics algorithms such as flux-corrected transport or the piecewise parabolic method which have intrinsic subgrid turbulence models coupled naturally to the resolved scales in the computed flow. The physical considerations underlying and evidence supporting this monotone integrated large eddy simulation approach are discussed.

New insights into large eddy simulation

Physics of turbulence generation and sustenance in a boundary layer

Recent advances in the shock wave/boundary layer interaction and its control in internal and external flows

Shock/boundary layer interaction (SBLI) is an undesirable phenomenon, occurring in high-speed propulsion systems. The conventional method to manipulate and control SBLI is using a bleed system that involves the removal of a certain amount of mass of the inlet flow to control boundary layer separation. However, the system requires a larger nacelle to compensate the mass loss, larger nacelles contribute to additional weight and drag and reduce the overall performance. This study investigates a novel type of flow control device called micro-ramps, a part of the micro vortex generators (VGs) family that intends to replace the bleed technique. Micro-ramps produce pairs of counter-rotating streamwise vortices, which help to suppress SBLI and reduce the chances of flow separation. Experiments were done at Mach 5 with two micro-ramp models of different sizes. Schlieren photography, surface flow visualization and infrared thermography were used in this investigation. The results revealed the detailed flow characteristics of the micro-ramp, such as the primary and secondary vortices. This helps us to understand the overall flow physics of micro-ramps in hypersonic flow and their application for SBLI control.

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Micro-ramps for hypersonic flow control

The early stage of three-dimensional laminar-to-turbulent transition behind a micro-ramp is studied in the incompressible regime using tomographic particle image velocimetry. Experiments are conducted at supercritical micro-ramp height based Reynolds number . The measurement domain encompasses 6 ramp widths spanwise and 73 ramp heights streamwise. The mean flow topology reveals the underlying vortex structure of the wake flow with multiple pairs of streamwise counter-rotating vortices visualized by streamwise vorticity. The primary pair generates a vigorous upwash motion in the symmetry plane with a pronounced momentum deficit. A secondary vortex pair is induced closer to the wall. The tertiary and even further vortices maintain a streamwise orientation, but are produced progressively outwards of the secondary pair and follow a wedge-type pattern. The instantaneous flow pattern reveals that the earliest unstable mode of the wake features arc-like Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) vortices in the separated shear layer. Under the influence of the K–H vortices, the wake exhibits a high level of fluctuations with a pulsatile mode for the streamwise momentum deficit. The K–H vortices are lifted up due to the upwash induced by the quasi-streamwise vortex pair, while they appear to undergo pairing, distortion and finally breakdown. Immediately downstream, a streamwise interval of relatively low vortical activity separates the end of the K–H region from the formation of new hairpin vortices close to the wall. The latter vortex structures originate from the region of maximum wall shear, induced by the secondary vortex pair causing strong ejection events which transport low-speed flow upwards. The whole pattern features a cascade of hairpin vortices along a turbulent/non-turbulent interface. The wedge-shaped cascade signifies the formation of a turbulent wedge. The turbulent properties of the wake are inspected with the spatial distribution of the velocity fluctuations and turbulence production in the developing boundary layer. Inside the wedge region, the velocity fluctuations approach quasi-spanwise homogeneity, indicating the development towards a turbulent boundary layer. The wedge interface is characterized by a localized higher level of velocity fluctuations and turbulence production, associated to the deflection of the shear layer close to the wall and the onset of coherent hairpin vortices inducing localized large-scale ejections.

Boundary layer transition mechanisms behind a micro-ramp

Large vortex structure in late boundary layer transition with an inflow Mach number of 0.5 is studied by DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation) in this paper. First, we found that there are no Λ-vortex tubes, contradicting to what the existing literatures and textbooks addressed. The so-called Λ-vortex is always open on head, which has a different shape from Λ. Λ-vortex is really a pair of open rotation cores with a lower half of the Λ shape. It is also found that the Λ-vortex and ring-like vortex are formed separately and independently. There is no such a process that the Λ-vortex self-deforms to a hairpin vortex at the tip as many literatures indicated. Λ-vortex and ring-like vortex can be visualised by the iso-surface of λ2. However, the iso-surfaces of λ2 only represent rotation cores but not necessarily vortex tubes. In fact, many spanwise vortex filaments can easily penetrate the so-called Λ-vortex (iso-surface of λ2), change the direction toward the streamwise direction, and then leave the iso-surface o...

DNS study on Λ-vortex and vortex ring formation in flow transition at Mach number 0.5

Study on shock wave-vortex ring interaction by the micro vortex generator controlled ramp flow with turbulent inflow

LES and analyses on the vortex structure behind supersonic MVG with turbulent inflow

In this study, we investigate the interaction between vortex rings behind MVG and the oblique shocks in the MVG controlled ramp flow at M=2.5 and Re θ=5760. Implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) method is used by solving the unfiltered form of the Navier-Stokes equations with the 5th order Bandwidth-optimized WENO scheme. The fully developed inflow is given by a series of turbulent profiles obtained from previous DNS simulation. It shows that the ring structure does not break down and keeps its topology after penetrating the strong shock wave and the oblique shocks is influenced a lot by the induced flow field from rings. The bump of the 3D shock wave surface is discovered and its mechanism is explained.

LES Study on the Mechanism of Vortex Rings behind Supersonic MVG with Turbulent Inflow

Considered herein is the generalized two-component periodic Dullin-Gottwald-Holm system, which can be derived from the Euler equation with nonzero constant vorticity in shallow water waves moving over a linear shear flow. The precise blow-up scenarios of strong solutions and several results of blow-up solutions with certain initial profiles are described in detail. The exact blow-up rates are also determined. Finally, a sufficient condition for global solutions is established.

Caixia Chen

Papers

DNS study on Λ-vortex and vortex ring formation in flow transition at Mach number 0.5

Study on shock wave-vortex ring interaction by the micro vortex generator controlled ramp flow with turbulent inflow

LES and analyses on the vortex structure behind supersonic MVG with turbulent inflow

LES Study on the Mechanism of Vortex Rings behind Supersonic MVG with Turbulent Inflow

On the wave breaking phenomena for the generalized periodic two- component Dullin-Gottwald-Holm system