A new correlation-based transition model has been developed, which is based strictly on local variables. As a result, the transition model is compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches, such as unstructured grids and massive parallel execution. The model is based on two transport equations, one for intermittency and one for the transition onset criteria in terms of momentum thickness Reynolds number. The proposed transport equations do not attempt to model the physics of the transition process (unlike, e.g., turbulence models) but form a framework for the implementation of correlation-based models into general-purpose CFD methods. Part I (this part) of this paper gives a detailed description of the mathematical formulation of the model and some of the basic test cases used for model validation, including a two-dimensional turbine blade. Part II (Langtry, R. B., Menter, F. R., Likki, S. R., Suzen, Y. B., Huang, P. G., and Volker, S., 2006, ASME J. Turbomach., 128(3), pp. 423–434) of the paper details a significant number of test cases that have been used to validate the transition model for turbomachinery and aerodynamic applications. The authors believe that the current formulation is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling, as it allows the combination of correlation-based transition models with general purpose CFD codes.

A Correlation-Based Transition Model Using Local Variables—Part I: Model Formulation

A new correlation-based transition model has been developed, which is built strictly on local variables. As a result, the transition model is compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics techniques such as unstructured grids and massively parallel execution. The model is based on two transport equations, one for intermittency and one for a transition onset criterion in terms of momentum-thickness Reynolds number. A number of validation papers have been published on the basic formulation of the model. However, until now the full model correlations have not been published. The main goal of the present paper is to publish the full model and release it to the research community so that it can continue to be further validated and possibly extended or improved. Included in this paper are a number of test cases that can be used to validate the implementation of the model in a given computational fluid dynamics code. The authors believe that the current formulation is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling, as it allows the combination of transition correlations with general-purpose computational fluid dynamics codes. There is a strong potential that the model will allow the first-order effects of transition to be included in everyday industrial computational fluid dynamics simulations.

Correlation-Based Transition Modeling for Unstructured Parallelized Computational Fluid Dynamics Codes

The article gives an overview of the Scale-Adaptive Simulation (SAS) method developed by the authors during the last years. The motivation for the formulation of the SAS method is given and a detailed explanation of the underlying ideas is presented. The derivation of the high-Reynolds number form of the equations as well as the calibration of the constants is provided. The concept of SAS is explained using several generic examples and test cases. In a companion article, the model is applied to more complex industrial-type applications.

The Scale-Adaptive Simulation Method for Unsteady Turbulent Flow Predictions. Part 1: Theory and Model Description

The present author was asked to provide an update on the status and the more recent developments around the shear-stress transport (SST) turbulence model for this special issue of the journal. The article is therefore not intended as a comprehensive overview of the status of engineering turbulence modelling in general, nor on the overall turbulence modelling strategy for ANSYS computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in particular. It is clear from many decades of turbulence modelling that no single model-nor even a single modelling approach-can solve all engineering flows. Any successful CFD code will therefore have to offer a wide range of models from simple Eddy-viscosity models through second moment closures all the way to the variety of unsteady modelling concepts currently under development. This article is solely intended to outline the role of the concepts behind the SST model in current and future CFD simulations of engineering flows.

Review of the shear-stress transport turbulence model experience from an industrial perspective

Hybrid LES/RANS methods for the simulation of turbulent flows

The paper addresses modelling concepts based on the RANS equations for laminar-turbulent transition prediction in general-purpose CFD codes. Available models are reviewed, with emphasis on their compatibility with modern CFD methods. Requirements for engineering transition models suitable for industrial CFD codes are specified. A new concept for transition modeling is introduced. It is based on the combination of experimental correlations with locally formulated transport equations. The concept is termed LCTM – Local Correlation-based Transition Model. An LCTM model, which satisfies most of the specified requirements is described, including results for a variety of different complex applications. An incremental approach was used to validate the model, first on 2D flat plates and airfoils and then on to progressively more complicated test cases such as a three-element flap, a 3D transonic wing and a full helicopter configuration. In all cases good agreement with the available experimental data was observed. The authors believe that the current formulation is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling, as it allows the combination of transition correlations with general purpose CFD codes. There is a strong potential that the model will allow the 1st order effects of transition to be included in everyday industrial CFD simulations.

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Transition Modelling for General Purpose CFD Codes

Modifications are proposed of two recently developed hybrid CFD strategies, Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) and DDES with Improved wall-modeling capability (IDDES). The modifications are aimed at fine-tuning of these approaches to the k-ω SST background RANS model. The first one includes recalibrated empirical constants in the shielding function of the SA-based DDES model which are shown to be suboptimal (not providing the needed level of elimination of the Model Stress Depletion (MSD)) for the SST-based DDES model. For the SST-IDDES variant, in addition to that, a simplification of the original SA–based formulation is proposed, which does not cause any visible degradation of the model performance. Both modifications are extensively tested on a range of attached and separated flows (developed channel, backward-facing step, periodic hills, wall-mounted hump, and hydrofoil with trailing edge separation).

Development of DDES and IDDES Formulations for the k-ω Shear Stress Transport Model

A new correlation-based transition model has been developed, which is built strictly on local variables. As a result, the transition model is compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods using unstructured grids and massive parallel execution. The model is based on two transport equations, one for the intermittency and one for the transition onset criteria in terms of momentum thickness Reynolds number. The proposed transport equations do not attempt to model the physics of the transition process (unlike, e.g., turbulence models), but form a framework for the implementation of correlation-based models into general-purpose CFD methods. Part I of this paper (Menter, F. R., Langtry, R. B., Likki, S. R., Suzen, Y. B., Huang, P. G., and Volker, S., 2006, ASME J. Turbomach., 128(3), pp. 413–422) gives a detailed description of the mathematical formulation of the model and some of the basic test cases used for model validation. Part II (this part) details a significant number of test cases that have been used to validate the transition model for turbomachinery and aerodynamic applications, including the drag crisis of a cylinder, separation-induced transition on a circular leading edge, and natural transition on a wind turbine airfoil. Turbomachinery test cases include a highly loaded compressor cascade, a low-pressure turbine blade, a transonic turbine guide vane, a 3D annular compressor cascade, and unsteady transition due to wake impingement. In addition, predictions are shown for an actual industrial application, namely, a GE low-pressure turbine vane. In all cases, good agreement with the experiments could be achieved and the authors believe that the current model is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling.

Florian R. Menter

Papers

A Correlation-Based Transition Model Using Local Variables—Part I: Model Formulation

Correlation-Based Transition Modeling for Unstructured Parallelized Computational Fluid Dynamics Codes

Transition Modelling for General Purpose CFD Codes

Development of DDES and IDDES Formulations for the k-ω Shear Stress Transport Model

A Correlation-Based Transition Model Using Local Variables—Part II: Test Cases and Industrial Applications