Symmetries, Invariance and Scaling-Laws in Inhomogeneous Turbulent Shear Flows

An approach to derive turbulent scaling laws based on symmetry analysis is presented. It unifies a large set of scaling laws for the mean velocity of stationary parallel turbulent shear flows. The approach is derived from the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations, the fluctuation equations, and the velocity product equations, which are the dyad product of the velocity fluctuations with the equations for the velocity fluctuations. For the plane case the results include the logarithmic law of the wall, an algebraic law, the viscous sublayer, the linear region in the centre of a Couette flow and in the centre of a rotating channel flow, and a new exponential mean velocity profile that is found in the mid-wake region of high Reynolds number flat-plate boundary layers. The algebraic scaling law is confirmed in both the centre and the near wall regions in both experimental and DNS data of turbulent channel flows. For a non-rotating and a moderately rotating pipe about its axis an algebraic law was found for the axial and the azimuthal velocity near the pipe-axis with both laws having equal scaling exponents. In case of a rapidly rotating pipe, a new logarithmic scaling law for the axial velocity is developed. The key elements of the entire analysis are two scaling symmetries and Galilean invariance. Combining the scaling symmetries leads to the variety of different scaling laws. Galilean invariance is crucial for all of them. It has been demonstrated that two-equation models such as the k– model are not consistent with most of the new turbulent scaling laws.     

The turbulent boundary layer on the moving surface of a cylindrical body

A study is made of the problem of a two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer on the moving surface of a cylindrical body (a Rankine oval with a relative elongation of four) moving at constant velocity in an incompressible fluid. For the numerical simulation of the turbulent flow of the fluid, the boundary layer is divided into exterior and interior regions in accordance with a two-layer model, using different expressions for the coefficients of turbulent transfer for each region. A study was nade of the development of the boundary layer on the body at different speeds of the body surface and different Reynolds numbers. The following integral characteristics were found by numerical calculation: the work of friction as the body is displaced; the work expended on the movement of its surface; and, for a flow regime with separation, the work of the pressure force. In this case the following model of separation flow is assumed: beyond the singular point in the solution of the boundary layer equations that indicates the appearance of a region of reverse flow, the pressure and friction stress on the wall are constant and are determined by their values at the singular point.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSH, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 61–67, September–October, 1984.Finally, the author would like to thank G. G. Chernyi and Yu. D. Shevelev for useful discussions and for their interest in this work.     

Numerical solution of the turbulent flow of an incompressible fluid in curved planar and axially symmetrical channels

The governing equations for axially symmetric flow, where the Reynolds stresses are expressed by scalar turbulent viscosity, are the Reynolds equations. The turbulence model k, ? is used in the well-known form for fully developed turbulent flow.The numerical method, a continuation of the MAC system¹, is adapted so that even for high Reynolds cell numbers precision (δx²) can be achieved for the steady flow. Irregular cells join the rectangular network on the curved surface. Von Neumann's stability condition of the linearised numerical system is investigated. Special problems concerning the numerical solution of the turbulence model equations are stated and a special procedure is worked out to ensure that the fields k, ? do not converge to physically meaningless values. The program for the computer is universal in that the boundary problems can be assigned by input data.As an example, an axially symmetrical diffuser with an area ratio of widening 1.40 is computed. Fields of velocity and pressure at the wall as well as fields v_T and k are assessed. The results are compared with an experiment. The conclusion is that this method is suitable for the problems mentioned in this study as well as for unsteady flow.     

Effect of moving wall on the three-dimensional separation of an incompressible fluid in front of an obstacle

The problem of the laminar boundary layer formed on the surface of a semiinfinite plate with a perpendicular semi-infinite circular cylinder in a uniform steady incompressible flow normal to the leading edge is considered. Near its sharp edge the plate has a stationary part and, located at a finite distance further downstream, a part of the surface moving downstream at a constant velocity. The first-order boundary layer equations are solved numerically by an implicit finite-difference method. The effect of the moving wall on the variation of the dimensions of the separation zone ahead of the obstacle over a broad range of the governing parameters and flow characteristics is investigated. The flow in the laminar boundary layer on the surface of a plate ahead of such an obstacle was calculated in [1, 2] without motion of the wall. Data on the structure of the separated flow are given in [3].Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 6, pp. 49–53, November–December, 1990.     

Turbulent friction in the flow of liquid in tubes and channels

A calculating relationship is presented for turbulent flow; it takes a unique form over the whole cross section of the flow. A relationship is also derived between turbulent friction and the mean velocity profile on the basis of the equation for the maximum turbulent friction, which follows directly from the equation of motion. The proportionality factor in this relationship is obtained with due allowance for twelve boundary conditions relating to the turbulent flow, the mean velocity, and their derivatives. The resultant turbulent-friction profiles agree with the experimental data of Laufer. The profile parameters may be related to the Reynolds number.Leningrad. Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR. Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 2, pp. 140–145, March–April, 1972.     

Numerical analysis of turbulent structure in compound meandering open channel by algebraic Reynolds stress model

The turbulent flow in a compound meandering channel with a rectangular cross section is one of the most complicated turbulent flows, because the flow behaviour is influenced by several kinds of forces, including centrifugal forces, pressure‐driven forces and shear stresses generated by momentum transfer between the main channel and the flood plain. Numerical analysis has been performed for the fully developed turbulent flow in a compound meandering open‐channel flow using an algebraic Reynolds stress model. The boundary‐fitted coordinate system is introduced as a method for coordinate transformation in order to set the boundary conditions along the complicated shape of the meandering open channel. The turbulence model consists of transport equations for turbulent energy and dissipation, in conjunction with an algebraic stress model based on the Reynolds stress transport equations. With reference to the pressure–strain term, we have made use of a modified pressure–strain term. The boundary condition of the fluctuating vertical velocity is set to zero not only for the free surface, but also for computational grid points next to the free surface, because experimental results have shown that the fluctuating vertical velocity approaches zero near the free surface. In order to examine the validity of the present numerical method and the turbulent model, the calculated results are compared with experimental data measured by laser Doppler anemometer. In addition, the compound meandering open channel is clarified somewhat based on the calculated results. As a result of the analysis, the present algebraic Reynolds stress model is shown to be able to reasonably predict the turbulent flow in a compound meandering open channel. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Direct Numerical Simulation of Self-Similar Turbulent Boundary Layers in Adverse Pressure Gradients

Direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations have been carried out with the objective of studying turbulent boundary layers in adverse pressure gradients. The boundary layer flows concerned are of the equilibrium type which makes the analysis simpler and the results can be compared with earlier experiments and simulations. This type of turbulent boundary layers also permits an analysis of the equation of motion to predict separation. The linear analysis based on the assumption of asymptotically high Reynolds number gives results that are not applicable to finite Reynolds number flows. A different non-linear approach is presented to obtain a useful relation between the freestream variation and other mean flow parameters. Comparison of turbulent statistics from the zero pressure gradient case and two adverse pressure gradient cases shows the development of an outer peak in the turbulent energy in agreement with experiment. The turbulent flows have also been investigated using a differential Reynolds stress model. Profiles for velocity and turbulence quantities obtained from the direct numerical simulations were used as initial data. The initial transients in the model predictions vanished rapidly. The model predictions are compared with the direct simulations and low Reynolds number effects are investigated.     

Magma flow through elastic-walled dikes

A convection–diffusion model for the averaged flow of a viscous, incompressible magma through an elastic medium is considered. The magma flows through a dike from a magma reservoir to the Earth’s surface; only changes in dike width and velocity over large vertical length scales relative to the characteristic dike width are considered. The model emerges when nonlinear inertia terms in the momentum equation are neglected in a viscous, low-speed approximation of a magma flow model coupled to the elastic response of the rock.Stationary- and traveling-wave solutions are presented in which a Dirichlet condition is used at the magma chamber; and either a (i) free-boundary condition, (ii) Dirichlet condition, or (iii) choked-flow condition is used at the moving free or fixed-top boundary. A choked-flow boundary condition, generally used in the coupled elastic wave and magma flow model, is also used in the convection–diffusion model. The validity of this choked-flow condition is illustrated by comparing stationary flow solutions of the convection–diffusion and coupled elastic wave and magma flow model for parameter values estimated for the Tolbachik volcano region in Kamchatka, Russia. These free- and fixed-boundary solutions are subsequently explored in a conservative, local discontinuous Galerkin finite-element discretization. This method is advantageous for the accurate implementation of the choked flow and free-boundary conditions. It uses a mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian finite element with special infinite curvature basis function near the free boundary and ensures positivity of the mean aperture subject to a time-step restriction. We illustrate the model further by simulating magma flow through host rock of variable density, and magma flow that is quasi-periodic due to the growth and collapse of a lava dome.     

Large eddy simulation and a simple wall model for turbulent flow calculation by a particle method

A turbulent channel flow and the flow around a cubic obstacle are calculated by the moving particle semi‐implicit method with the subparticle‐scale turbulent model and a wall model, which is based on the zero equation RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier‐Stokes). The wall model is useful in practical problems that often involve high Reynolds numbers and wall turbulence, because it is difficult to keep high resolution in the near‐wall region in particle simulation. A turbulent channel flow is calculated by the present method to validate our wall model. The mean velocity distribution agrees with the log‐law velocity profile near the wall. Statistical values are also the same order and tendency as experimental results with emulating viscous layer by the wall model. We also investigated the influence of numerical oscillations on turbulence analysis in using the moving particle semi‐implicit method. Finally, the turbulent flow around a cubic obstacle is calculated by the present method to demonstrate capability of calculating practical turbulent flows. Three characteristic eddies appear in front of, over, and in the back of the cube both in our calculation and the experimental result that was obtained by Martinuzzi and Tropea. Mean velocity and turbulent intensity profiles are predicted in the same order and have similar tendency as the experimental result. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical analysis of turbulent flow in a rotating U-bend with roughened walls

A numerical analysis has been performed for a developing turbulent flow in a rotating U-bend of strong curvature with rib-roughened walls using an anisotropic turbulent model. In this calculation, an algebraic Reynolds stress model is used to precisely predict Reynolds stresses, and a boundary-fitted coordinate system is introduced as a method of coordinate transformation to set the exact boundary conditions along the complicated shape of U-bend with rib-roughened walls. Calculated results for mean velocity and Reynolds stresses are compared to the experimental data in order to validate the proposed numerical method and the algebraic Reynolds stress model. Although agreement is certainly not perfect in all details, the present method can predict characteristic velocity profiles and reproduce the separated flow generated near the outer wall, which is located just downstream of the curved duct. The Reynolds stresses predicted by the proposed turbulent model agree well with the experimental data, except in regions of flow separation.     

Energy-balance equation for turbulent pulsations in the theory of the free turbulent boundary layer

Semiempirical expressions are proposed for the coefficient of turbulent viscosity and for the scale of turbulence in the equations for the free turbulent boundary layer in an incompressible fluid, these equations consisting of the equation of continuity, the equations of motion, and the equation for the average energy balance in the turbulent pulsations. The advantage of the expressions over the existing ones is that the two empirical constants in the equations have nearly the same values for circular and plane turbulent streams and also for a turbulent boundary layer at the edge of a semiinfinite homogeneous flow with a stationary fluid. The mean-energy distribution and the mean energy of the turbulent pulsations computed in this paper agree well with the experimental values.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 6, pp. 75–79, November–December, 1970.     

DNS and scaling laws from new symmetry groups of ZPG turbulent boundary layer flow

The Lie group, or symmetry approach, developed by Oberlack (see e.g. Oberlack [26] and references therein) is used to derive new scaling laws for various quantities of a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer flow. The approach unifies and extends the work done by Oberlack for the mean velocity of stationary parallel turbulent shear flows. From the two-point correlation (TPC) equations the knowledge of the symmetries allows us to derive a variety of invariant solutions (scaling laws) for turbulent flows, one of which is the new exponential mean velocity profile that is found in the mid-wake region of flat-plate boundary layers. Further, a third scaling group was found in the TPC equations for the one-dimensional turbulent boundary layer. This is in contrast to the Navier–Stokes and Euler equations, which have one and two scaling groups, respectively. The present focus is on the exponential law in the outer region of turbulent boundary layer corresponding new scaling laws for one- and two-point correlation functions. A direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a flat plate turbulent boundary layer with zero pressure gradient was performed at two different Reynolds numbers Re=750,2240. The Navier–Stokes equations were numerically solved using a spectral method with up to 140 million grid points. The results of the numerical simulations are compared with the new scaling laws. TPC functions are presented. The numerical simulation shows good agreement with the theoretical results, however only for a limited range of applicability. PACS 02.20.-a, 47.11.+j, 47.27.Nz, 47.27.Eq     

Simulation of ordered structures in open turbulent flows

Extensive experimental material [1–4] indicates that ordered (coherent) structures play an important part in determining the nature of the flow, the generation of Reynolds stresses and turbulence energy, and the transport of heat, momentum, and passive admixtures in a turbulent flow. In the present paper, a model is constructed for describing coherent structures in which, given the profile of the mean velocity, one can determine the characteristic sizes, the propagation velocities, and also the frequency and amplitude characteristics of these ordered motions. The model is based on the analogy between the ordered formations and secondary flows in a subsidiary laminar flow whose velocity profile is the same as the turbulent profile of the mean velocity. The influence of small-scale pulsations is described by the introduction of the coefficient of turbulent viscosity. In the framework of the model, numerical calculations are made for two-dimensional turbulent flows in a mixing layer, a jet, and a wake behind a cylinder. The results of the calculations are compared with experimental data.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 4, pp. 45–52, July–August, 1981.     

Reynolds number effects on a turbulent boundary layer with separation,reattachment, and recovery

The present paper addresses experimental studies of Reynolds number effects on a turbulent boundary layer with separation, reattachment, and recovery. A momentum thickness Reynolds number varies from 1,100 to 20,100 with a wind tunnel enclosed in a pressure vessel by varying the air density and wind tunnel speed. A custom-built, high-resolution laser Doppler anemometer provides fully resolved turbulence measurements over the full Reynolds number range. The experiments show that the mean flow is at most a very weak function of Reynolds number while turbulence quantities strongly depend on Reynolds number. Roller vortices are generated in the separated shear layer caused by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Empirical Reynolds number scalings for the mean velocity and Reynolds stresses are proposed for the upstream boundary layer, the separated region, and the recovery region. The inflectional instability plays a critical role in the scaling in the separated region. The near-wall flow recovers quickly downstream of reattachment even if the outer layer is far from an equilibrium state. As a result, a stress equilibrium layer where a flat-plate boundary layer scaling is valid develops in the recovery region and grows outward moving downstream.     

Investigation of the hypersonic viscous shock layer around blunt bodies in a nonuniform flow

Unseparated viscous gas flow past a body is numerically investigated within the framework of the theory of a thin viscous shock layer [13–15]. The equations of the hypersonic viscous shock layer with generalized Rankine-Hugoniot conditions at the shock wave are solved by a finite-difference method [16] over a broad interval of Reynolds numbers and values of the temperature factor and nonuniformity parameters. Calculation results characterizing the effect of free-stream nonuniformity on the velocity and temperature profiles across the shock layer, the friction and heat transfer coefficients and the shock wave standoff distance are presented. The unseparated flow conditions are investigated and the critical values of the nonuniformity parameter a_k [10] at which reverse-circulatory zones develop on the front of the body are obtained as a function of the Reynolds number. The calculations are compared with the asymptotic solutions [10, 12].Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 154–159, May–June, 1987.     

Localized Coherent Structures in the Boundary Layer

A Blasius laminar boundary layer and a steady turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate in an incompressible fluid are considered. The spectral characteristics of the Tollmien—Schlichting (TS) and Squire waves are numerically determined in a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Based on the spectral characteristics, relations determining the three–wave resonance of TS waves are studied. It is shown that the three–wave resonance is responsible for the appearance of a continuous low–frequency spectrum in the laminar region of the boundary layer. The spectral characteristics allow one to obtain quantities that enter the equations of dynamics of localized perturbations. By analogy with the laminar boundary layer, the three–wave resonance of TS waves in a turbulent boundary layer is considered.     

Viscous waves and wave-structure interaction in a tank using adapting quadtree grids

Viscous waves and waves over a submerged cylinder in a stationary tank are simulated using a volume-of-fluid numerical scheme on adaptive hierarchical grids. A high resolution interface-capturing method is used to advect the free surface interface and the Navier–Stokes equations are discretised using finite volumes with collocated primitive variables and solved using a Pressure Implicit with Splitting of Operators (PISO) algorithm. The cylinder is modelled by using the technique of Cartesian cut cells. Results of flow of a single fluid past a cylinder at Reynolds number Re=100 are presented and found to agree well with experimental and other numerical data. Viscous free surface waves in a tank are simulated using uniform and quadtree grids for Reynolds numbers in the range from 2 to 2000, and the results compared against analytical solutions where available. The quadtree-based results are of the same accuracy as those on the equivalent uniform grids, and retain a sharp interface at the free surface while leading to considerable savings in both storage and CPU requirements. The nonlinearity in the wave is investigated for a selection of initial wave amplitudes. A submerged cylinder is positioned in the tank and its influence on the waves as well as the hydrodynamic loading on the cylinder is investigated.     

Computation of turbulent free‐surface flows around modern ships

This paper presents the calculated results for three classes of typical modern ships in modelling of ship‐generated waves. Simulations of turbulent free‐surface flows around ships are performed in a numerical water tank, based on the FINFLO‐RANS SHIP solver developed at Helsinki University of Technology. The Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the artificial compressibility and the non‐linear free‐surface boundary conditions are discretized by means of a cell‐centred finite‐volume scheme. The convergence performance is improved with the multigrid method. A free surface is tracked using a moving mesh technology, in which the non‐linear free‐surface boundary conditions are given on the actual location of the free surface. Test cases recommended are a container ship, a US Navy combatant and a tanker. The calculated results are compared with the experimental data available in the literature in terms of the wave profiles, wave pattern, and turbulent flow fields for two turbulence models, Chien's low Reynolds number k–εmodel and Baldwin–Lomax's model. Furthermore, the convergence performance, the grid refinement study and the effect of turbulence models on the waves have been investigated. Additionally, comparison of two types of the dynamic free‐surface boundary conditions is made. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley& Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of the properties of a shock wave arising in a supersonic flow of plasma,passing through a transverse magnetic field

In a flow of plasma, set up by an ionizing shock wave and moving through a transverse magnetic field, under definite conditions there arises a gasdynamic shock wave. The appearance of such shock waves has been observed in experimental [1–4] and theoretical [5–7] work, where an investigation was made of the interaction between a plasma and electrical and magnetic fields. The aim of the present work was a determination of the effect of the intensity of the interaction between the plasma and the magnetic field on the velocity of the motion of this shock wave. The investigation was carried out in a magnetohydrogasdynamic unit, described in [8]. The process was recorded by the Töpler method (IAB-451 instrument) through a slit along the axis of the channel, on a film moving in a direction perpendicular to the slit. The calculation of the flow is based on the one-dimensional unsteady-state equations of magnetic gasdynamics. Using a model of the process described in [9], calculations were made for conditions close to those realized experimentally. In addition, a simplified calculation is made of the velocity of the motion of the above shock wave, under the assumption that its front moves at a constant velocity ahead of the region of interaction, while in the region of interaction itself the flow is steady-state.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 86–91, January–February, 1975.     

Energy analysis of the stability of MHD flows

The analog of Orr's problem is formulated for MHD flows. Arbitrary three-dimensional disturbances satisfying the continuity equations are considered. It is established that direct interaction of the disturbances of the magnetic field and the velocity field cannot increase the energy estimate of the critical Reynolds number. Numerical calculations for Hartmann flow and modified Couette flows are made for the particular case of small magnetic Reynolds numbers, The minimum value of R is attained for disturbances with a wave vector perpendicular to the velocity vector of the main flow.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 4, pp. 3–9, July–August, 1971.The authors thank M. A. Gol'dshtik for his interest in their work.