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Large-eddy simulation of compressible flows using the stretched-vortex model and a fourth-order finite volume scheme on adaptive grids

Date

2022

Authors

Walters, Sean, author
Guzik, Stephen, advisor
Gao, Xinfeng, advisor
Randall, David, committee member
Yalin, Azer, committee member

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Abstract

State-of-the-art engineering workflows are becoming increasingly dependent on accurate large-eddy simulations (LES) of compressible, turbulent flows for off-design conditions. Traditional CFD algorithms for compressible flows rely on numerical stabilization to handle unresolved physics and/or steep gradient flow features such as shockwaves. To reach higher levels of physical-fidelity than previously attainable, more accurate turbulence models must be properly incorporated into existing, high-order CFD codes in a manner that preserves the stability of the underlying algorithm while fully realizing the benefits of the turbulence model. As it stands, casually combining turbulence models and numerical stabilization degrades LES solutions below the level achievable by using numerical stabilization alone. To effectively use high-quality turbulence models and numerical stabilization simultaneously in a fourth-order-accurate finite volume LES algorithm, a new method based on scale separation is developed using adaptive grid technology for the stretched-vortex subgrid-scale (SGS) LES model. This method successfully demonstrates scheme-independent and grid-independent LES results at very-high-Reynolds numbers for the inviscid Taylor-Green vortex, the temporally-evolving double-shear-flow, and decaying, homogeneous turbulence. Furthermore, the method clearly demonstrates quantifiable advantages of high-order accurate numerical methods. Additionally, the stretched-vortex LES wall-model is extended to curvilinear mapped meshes for compressible flow simulations using adaptive mesh refinement. The capabilities of the wall-model combined with the stretched-vortex SGS LES model are demonstrated using the canonical zero-pressure-gradient flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. Finally, the complete algorithm is applied to simulate flow-separation and reattachment over a smooth-ramp, showing high-quality solutions on extremely coarse meshes.

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Subject

computational fluid dynamics
large-eddy simulation
stretched-vortex model
grid-independent LES
adaptive mesh refinement
numerical methods

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