Large eddy simulations of wall‐bounded flows using a simplified immersed boundary method and high‐order compact schemes

This paper presents a solution algorithm based on an immersed boundary (IB) method that can be easily implemented in high‐order codes for incompressible flows. The time integration is performed using a predictor‐corrector approach, and the projection method is used for pressure‐velocity coupling. Spatial discretization is based on compact difference schemes and is performed on half‐staggered meshes. A basic algorithm for body‐fitted meshes using the aforementioned solution method was developed by A. Tyliszczak (see article “A high‐order compact difference algorithm for half‐staggered grids for laminar and turbulent incompressible flows” in Journal of Computational Physics) and proved to be very accurate. In this paper, the formulated algorithm is adapted for use with the IB method in the framework of large eddy simulations. The IB method is implemented using its simplified variant without the interpolation (stepwise approach). The computations are performed for a laminar flow around a 2D cylinder, a turbulent flow in a channel with a wavy wall, and around a sphere. Comparisons with literature data confirm that the proposed method can be successfully applied for complex flow problems. The results are verified using the classical approach with body‐fitted meshes and show very good agreement both in laminar and turbulent regimes. The mean (velocity and turbulent kinetic energy profiles and drag coefficients) and time‐dependent (Strouhal number based on the drag coefficient) quantities are analyzed, and they agree well with reference solutions. Two subfilter models are compared, ie, the model of Vreman (see article “An eddy‐viscosity subgrid‐scale model for turbulent shear flow: algebraic theory and applications” in Physics and Fluids) and σ model (Nicoud et al, see article “Using singular values to build a subgrid‐scale model for large eddy simulations” in Physics and Fluids). The tests did not reveal evident advantages of any of these models, and from the point of view of solution accuracy, the quality of the computational meshes turned out to be much more important than the subfilter modeling.     

On the Influence of Polynomial De-aliasing on Subgrid Scale Models

In this work we investigate the interplay of polynomial de-aliasing and sub-grid scale models for large eddy simulations based on discontinuous Galerkin discretizations. It is known that stability is a major concern when simulating underresolved turbulent flows with high order nodal collocation type discretizations. By changing the interpolatory character of the nodal collocation type discretization to a projection based discretization by increasing the number of quadrature points (polynomial de-aliasing), one is able to remove the aliasing induced stability problems. We focus on this effect and on the consequence for large eddy simulations with explicit subgrid scale models. Often, subgrid scale models have to achieve two possibly conflicting tasks in a single simulation: firstly stabilizing the numerics and secondly modeling the physical effect of the missing scales. Within a discontinuous Galerkin approach, it is possible to use either a fast (but potentially aliasing afflicted) nodal collocation discretization or a projection-based (but computationally costly) variant in combination with an explicit subgrid scale model. We use this framework to investigate the effect on the appropriate model parameter of a standard Smagorinsky subgrid scale model and of a Variational Multiscale Smagorinsky formulation. For this we first consider the 3-D viscous Taylor-Green vortex example to investigate the impact on the stability of the method and second the turbulent flow past a circular cylinder to investigate and compare the accuracy of the results. We show that the aliasing instabilities of collocative discretizations severely limit the choice of the model constant, in particular for high order schemes, while for de-aliased DG schemes, the closure model parameters can be chosen independently from the numerical scheme. For the cylinder flow, we also find that for the same model settings, the projection-based results are in better agreement with the reference DNS than those of the collocative scheme.     

An efficient semi‐implicit subgrid method for free‐surface flows on hierarchical grids

We present a new modelling strategy for improving the efficiency of computationally intensive flow problems in environmental free‐surface flows. The approach combines a recently developed semi‐implicit subgrid method with a hierarchical grid solution strategy. The method allows the incorporation of high‐resolution data on subgrid scale to obtain a more accurate and efficient hydrodynamic model. The subgrid method improves the efficiency of the hierarchical grid method by providing better solutions on coarse grids. The method is applicable to both steady and unsteady flows, but we particularly focus on river flows with steady boundary conditions. There, the combined hierarchical grid–subgrid method reduces the computational effort to obtain a steady state with factors up to 43. For unsteady models, the method can be used for efficiently generating accurate initial conditions on high‐resolution grids. Additionally, the method provides automatic insight in grid convergence. We demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the method using a schematic test for the vortex shedding around a circular cylinder and a real‐world river case study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of Smagorinsky‐based subgrid‐scale models in a finite‐volume computation

Smagorinsky‐based models are assessed in a turbulent channel flow simulation at Re_b=2800 and Re_b=12500. The Navier–Stokes equations are solved with three different grid resolutions by using a co‐located finite‐volume method. Computations are repeated with Smagorinsky‐based subgrid‐scale models. A traditional Smagorinsky model is implemented with a van Driest damping function. A dynamic model assumes a similarity of the subgrid and the subtest Reynolds stresses and an explicit filtering operation is required. A top‐hat test filter is implemented with a trapezoidal and a Simpson rule. At the low Reynolds number computation none of the tested models improves the results at any grid level compared to the calculations with no model. The effect of the subgrid‐scale model is reduced as the grid is refined. The numerical implementation of the test filter influences on the result. At the higher Reynolds number the subgrid‐scale models stabilize the computation. An analysis of an accurately resolved flow field reveals that the discretization error overwhelms the subgrid term at Re_b=2800 in the most part of the computational domain. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A hybrid dynamic Smagorinsky model for large eddy simulation

A hybrid dynamic subgrid-scale model (HDSM) pertaining to Large-eddy simulation (LES) has been developed. The coefficient obtained by German dynamic Smagorinsky model (DSM) was integrated with a new dynamic coefficient, based on the dynamic subgrid characteristic length and controlled by the subgrid-scale (SGS) motions. In HDSM, the characteristic wave number determining the characteristic length of the dynamic subgrid is calculated from a new energy weighted mean method when the subgrid scale turbulent kinetic energy and the dissipation wave number are known. The dissipation wave-number is derived from the SGS turbulent kinetic energy spectrum equation. The total dissipation rate spectrum equation is based on the Pao energy spectrum and local equilibrium assumption. The dynamic subgrid characteristic length could take into account the rapidly fluctuating small scale behaviours and the spatial variation of turbulent characteristics. HDSM was used to simulate the fully developed channel and turbulent flow past a circular cylinder, and to determine the impact of the dam-break flow on downstream structure. The HDSM is robust in respect to anisotropic mesh and is less sensitive to grid resolution, and would accurately describe the energy transfer from large-scale to SGS fluctuations and capture more fluctuations of turbulence with same meshes compared to the DSM.     

可压缩多介质粘性流体和湍流的大涡模拟

在可压缩多介质粘性流体动力学高精度计算方法MVPPM(multi-viscous-fluid piecewise parabolicmethod)基础上,引入Smagorinsky和Vreman亚格子湍流模型,采用大涡数值模拟方法求解可压缩粘性流体NS(Navier-Stokes)方程,给出适用于可压缩多介质流体界面不稳定性发展演化至湍流阶段的计算方法和二维计算程序MVFT(multi-viscosity-fluid and turbulence)。在2种亚格子湍流模型下计算了LANL(Los Ala-mos National Laboratory)激波管单气柱RM不稳定性实验,分析了气柱的形状、流场速度以及涡的特征,通过与LANL实验和计算结果的比较可知,Vreman模型略优于Smagorinsky模型,MVFT方法和计算程序可用于对界面不稳定性发展演化至湍流阶段的数值模拟。     

High‐order discontinuous Galerkin spectral element methods for transitional and turbulent flow simulations

In this paper, we investigate the accuracy and efficiency of discontinuous Galerkin spectral method simulations of under‐resolved transitional and turbulent flows at moderate Reynolds numbers, where the accurate prediction of closely coupled laminar regions, transition and developed turbulence presents a great challenge to large eddy simulation modelling. We take full advantage of the low numerical errors and associated superior scale resolving capabilities of high‐order spectral methods by using high‐order ansatz functions up to 12th order. We employ polynomial de‐aliasing techniques to prevent instabilities arising from inexact quadrature of nonlinearities. Without the need for any additional filtering, explicit or implicit modelling, or artificial dissipation, our high‐order schemes capture the turbulent flow at the considered Reynolds number range very well. Three classical large eddy simulation benchmark problems are considered: a circular cylinder flow at Re_D=3900, a confined periodic hill flow at Re_h=2800 and the transitional flow over a SD7003 airfoil at Re_c=60,000. For all computations, the total number of degrees of freedom used for the discontinuous Galerkin spectral method simulations is chosen to be equal or considerably less than the reported data in literature. In all three cases, we achieve an equal or better match to direct numerical simulation results, compared with other schemes of lower order with explicitly or implicitly added subgrid scale models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large eddy simulation using a dynamic mixing length subgrid‐scale model

A novel dynamic mixing length (DML) subgrid‐scale model for large eddy simulations is proposed in this work to improve the cutoff length of the Smagorinsky model. The characteristic mixing length (or the characteristic wave number) is dynamically estimated for the subgrid‐scale fluctuation of turbulence by the cutoff wave‐number, k_c, and the dissipation wave‐number, k_d. The dissipation wave number is derived from the kinetic energy spectrum equation and the dissipation spectrum equation. To prove the promise of the DML model, this model is used to simulate the lid‐driven cubical cavity with max‐velocity‐based Reynolds numbers 8850 and 12,000, the channel flows with friction‐velocity‐based Reynolds numbers 180, 395, 590, and 950, and the turbulent flow past a square cylinder at the higher Reynolds number 21,400, respectively, compared with the Smagorinsky model and Germano et al.'s dynamic Smagorinsky model. Different numerical experiments with different Reynolds numbers show that the DML model can be used in simulations of flows with a wide range of Reynolds numbers without the occurrence of singular values. The DML model can alleviate the dissipation of the Smagorinsky model without the loss of its robustness. The DML model shows some advantages over Germano et al.'s dynamic Smagorinsky model in its high stability and simplicity of calculation because the coefficient of the DML model always stays positive. The characteristic mixing length in the DML model reflects the subgrid‐scale fluctuation of turbulence in nature and thus the characteristic mixing length has a spatial and temporal distribution in turbulent flow. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large eddy simulation of bluff body wake in planar shear flow

Large eddy simulation of planar shear flow past a square cylinder has been investigated. Dynamic Smagorinsky model has been used to model subgrid scale stress. The shear parameter, K, namely the nondimensional streamwise velocity gradient in the lateral direction, is 0.0, 0.1 and 0.2. Reynolds number based on the centerline velocity is fixed at Re=21400. The time and span‐averaged velocity components, pressure coefficient, Reynolds stresses for uniform are in good agreement with the literature. In shear flow the calculated flow structure and mean velocity components are shown to be markedly different from those of the uniform flow. With increasing shear parameter, the cylinder wake is dominated by clockwise vortices. Both the velocity components in shear flow are compared with respective components in uniform flow. Comparison of normal and shear stresses between shear and no shear case have also been presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental investigation of the wave-induced flow around a surface-touching cylinder

The wave-induced flow around a circular cylinder near both a rigid wall and an erodible bed is experimentally investigated using Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). The aim of this study is to gain quantitative information on the local mean flow, the vorticity dynamics and the evolution of the erodible bed. The flow is characterized in terms of the Keulegan–Carpenter (KC), Reynolds (Re) and Ursell (U_r) numbers. The effects of changing these parameters over the ranges 1<KC<31, 3×10³<Re<2.6×10⁴ and 1.5<U_r<152 are investigated. For KC<1.1 the flow does not separate. When KC increases, the flow becomes unstable and large-scale vortical structures develop. The dimensionless intensity (|Γ^⁎|) depends non-monotonically on KC, with a local maximum at KC=17, and the dimensionless area of the same macrovortex (A^⁎) follows a somewhat similar law. Although the dimensionless boundary layer thickness (δ^⁎) exhibits some discontinuities between KC regimes, it decreases with KC at x/D=0.5, as x/D=1 weakly depends on KC and can be regarded as constant (δ^⁎=0.7) and then, increases with KC when moving away from the cylinder. These findings are used to interpret the physics governing the flow around a cylinder touching a wall and are compared with available results from the literature (Sumer et al., 1991). The evolution of the scour mechanism occurring over an erodible sandy bed is also investigated. The validity of some empirical formulas in the literature is also tested on the basis of the available dataset. The empirical relationships of Cevik and Yuksel (1999) and Sumer and Fredsøe (1990) for the dimensionless scour depth (S/D) agree well with our results. The dimensionless scour width (W_s/D) is predicted well by Sumer and Fredsøe's (2002) empirical equation for KC<23, whereas Catano-Lopera and Garcia's (2007) formula is more accurate for higher values of KC.     

A time‐implicit high‐order compact differencing and filtering scheme for large‐eddy simulation

This work investigates a high‐order numerical method which is suitable for performing large‐eddy simulations, particularly those containing wall‐bounded regions which are considered on stretched curvilinear meshes. Spatial derivatives are represented by a sixth‐order compact approximation that is used in conjunction with a tenth‐order non‐dispersive filter. The scheme employs a time‐implicit approximately factored finite‐difference algorithm, and applies Newton‐like subiterations to achieve second‐order temporal and sixth‐order spatial accuracy. Both the Smagorinsky and dynamic subgrid‐scale stress models are incorporated in the computations, and are used for comparison along with simulations where no model is employed. Details of the method are summarized, and a series of classic validating computations are performed. These include the decay of compressible isotropic turbulence, turbulent channel flow, and the subsonic flow past a circular cylinder. For each of these cases, it was found that the method was robust and provided an accurate means of describing the flowfield, based upon comparisons with previous existing numerical results and experimental data. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deformation of a fluid-filled compliant cylinder in a uniform flow

We investigated surface compliance effects of a fluid-filled object in flow on its shape and internal flow through numerical simulation. A two-dimensional compliant cylinder containing fluid in a flow is a simple model of a cell, e.g. an erythrocyte, leukocyte or platelet. The thin membrane of the cylinder consisted of a network of mass-spring-damper (MSD) systems, representing its mechanical characteristics. We assumed that the stiffness and damping coefficients were those of latex gum. The two-dimensional flow inside and outside the membrane was obtained by solving the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations by using the finite element scheme at Re=400, based on the external flow velocity and diameter of an initial circular cylinder. The deformation of the membrane was calculated by solving the equation of motion for an MSD system by using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The compliant cylinder deformed more if its stiffness was smaller than that of latex gum. The initial circular section of the cylinder became oval, with a flat front and a convex rear. The aspect ratio of the lateral to streamwise axis length of the oval became larger than unity, and increased with decreasing stiffness. The drag coefficient of the oval cylinder became larger than that of the circular cylinder, and increased with decreasing stiffness. The partial vibration at the rear, caused by shedding vortices, induced oscillating internal flows between two antinodes of the vibrating membrane. Since the object with smaller stiffness had higher ductility, velocity fluctuations of the external flow influenced the internal flow of the compliant object through deformation of the membrane.     

On the influence of numerical schemes and subgrid–stress models on large eddy simulation of turbulent flow past a square cylinder

Influence of finite difference schemes and subgrid‐stress models on the large eddy simulation calculation of turbulent flow around a bluff body of square cylinder at a laboratory Reynolds number, has been examined. It is found that the type and the order of accuracy of finite‐difference schemes and the subgrid‐stress model for satisfactory results are dependent on each other, and the grid resolution and the Reynolds number. Using computational grids manageable by workstation‐level computers, with which the near‐wall region of the separating boundary layer cannot be resolved, central‐difference schemes of realistic orders of accuracy, either fully conservative or non‐conservative, suffer stability problems. The upwind‐biased schemes of third order and the Smagorinsky eddy‐viscosity subgrid model can give reasonable results resolving much of the energy‐containing turbulent eddies in the boundary layers and in the wake and representing the subgrid stresses in most parts of the flow. Noticeable improvements can be obtained by either using higher order difference schemes, increasing the grid resolution and/or by implementing a dynamic subgrid stress model, but each at a cost of increased computational time. For further improvements, the very small‐scale eddies near the upstream corners and in the laminar sublayers need to be resolved but would require a substantially larger number of grid points that are out of the range of easily accessible computers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An h4 accurate vorticity-velocity formulation for calculating flow past a cylinder

A method of solution for the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow past a cylinder is given in which the euquation of continuity is solved by a step-by-step integration procedure at each stage of an interative process. Thus the formulation involves the solution of one first-order and one second-order equation for the velocity components, together with the vorticity transport equation. the equations are solved numerically by h⁴-accurate methods in the case of steady flow past a circular cylinder in the Reynolds number range 10–100. Results are in satisfactory agreement with recent h⁴-accurate calculations. An improved approximation to the boundary conditions at large distance is also considered.     

MODELLING THE UNSTEADY AXIAL FORCES ON A FINITE-LENGTH CIRCULAR CYLINDER IN CROSS-FLOW

A semi-empirical model for unsteady axial forces is developed to predict the spectral features of the force generated by the flow over the end-caps on a finite-length, right circular cylinder in cross-flow. In general, the model consists of two parts: the spatial variation of r.m.s. wall pressure on the cylinder end-caps, and the correlation lengths and areas, which describe the spatial extent of the correlation of the unsteady wall pressures. Experiments were conducted in a low-noise wind tunnel as a function of cylinder diameter Reynolds number (19 200<Re<32 000) and the Strouhal number (0·05<St<3·33) to measure the statistics of the unsteady wall pressures on a model cylinder. These results are incorporated into the theoretical models, and prediction of the spectral characteristics of the axial force are made. The r.m.s. wall pressures on the end-caps are found to have the largest amplitude at circumferential locations (from the forward stagnation point) in the 90–120° range. The high levels at these locations are attributed to reattachment of the separated flow over the end-cap. The radial and circumferential correlation areas have a maximum value at St=0·21. Due to the 3-D flow over the end-caps, the radial correlation areas are found to depend on the circumferential measurement reference location, and the circumferential correlation lengths are found to depend on the radial measurement location. The unsteady axial force predictions using the model show a very broad spectral character.     

A novel slightly compressible model for low Mach number perfect gas flow calculation

By analyzing the characteristics of low Mach number perfect gas flows, a novel Slightly Compressible Model (SCM) for low Mach number perect gas flows is derived. In view of numerical calculations, this model is proved very efficient, for it is kept within thep-v frame but does not have to satisfy the time consuming divergence-free condition in order to get the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation solution. Writing the equations in the form of conservation laws, we have derived the characteristic systems which are necessary for numerical calculations. A cell-centered finite-volume method with flux difference upwind-biased schemes is used for the equation solutions and a new Exact Newton Relaxation (ENR) implicit method is developed. Various computed results are presented to validate the present model. Laminar flow solutions over a circular cylinder with wake developing and vortex shedding are presented. Results for inviscid flow over a sphere are compared in excellent agreement with the exact analytic incompressible solution. Three-dimensional viscous flow solutions over sphere and prolate spheroid are also calculated and compared well with experiments and other incompressible solutions. Finally, good convergent performances are shown for sphere viscous flows. The project supported by the Basic Research on Frontier Problems in Fluid and Aerodynamics in China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (19772069)     

Streakline visualization of the structures in the near wake of a circular cylinder in sinusoidally oscillating flow

A numerical investigation of three-dimensional sinusoidally oscillating flow around a circular cylinder was conducted to examine mushroom-type structures in the near wake that are manifestations of the Honji instability. The focus of this paper is to examine the flow structure through the analysis of the streaklines in the flow. Through the use of streakline visualizations and their correlation with vorticity in the flow field, the onset and development of the mushroom-type structures is followed. The parameter value range is 0.1<KC<2.0 and β=1035, 6815, and 9956. The streakline patterns in several axial planes are examined and used to describe the various mechanisms that sustain the mushroom-type structure during the oscillatory cycle.     

Multi-scale analysis of subgrid stress and energy dissipation in turbulent channel flow

In present study, the subgrid scale （SGS） stress and dissipation for multiscale formulation of large eddy simulation are analyzed using the data of turbulent channel flow at Ret = 180 obtained by direct numerical simulation. It is found that the small scale SGS stress is much smaller than the large scale SGS stress for all the stress components. The dominant contributor to large scale SGS stress is the cross stress between small scale and subgrid scale motions, while the cross stress between large scale and subgrid scale motions make major contributions to small scale SGS stress. The energy transfer from resolved large scales to subgrid scales is mainly caused by SGS Reynolds stress, while that between resolved small scales and subgrid scales are mainly due to the cross stress. The multiscale formulation of SGS models are evaluated a priori, and it is found that the small- small model is superior to other variants in terms of SGS dissipation.     

MODELING THE UNSTEADY LIFT AND DRAG ON A FINITE-LENGTH CIRCULAR CYLINDER IN CROSS-FLOW

Semi-empirical models for unsteady lift and drag are developed to predict the spectral features of the unsteady forces on a finite-length, right circular cylinder in cross-flow. In general, the models consist of two parts; the spatial variation of r.m.s wall pressure on the cylinder, and the correlation lengths which describe the spatial extent of the correlation of the unsteady wall pressures. Experiments were conducted in a low noise wind tunnel as a function of cylinder diameter Reynolds number (19 200<Re<32 000) and the Strouhal number (0·05< St<3·33), to measure the statistics of the unsteady wall pressures on a model cylinder. These results are incorporated into the theoretical models, and predictions of the spectral characteristics of the lift and drag are made. The r.m.s. wall pressures on the cylindrical surface are found to have the largest amplitude near the cylinder end-cap, and on the rearward portion of the cylinder body. The high levels in these locations are attributed to the separated flow region over the end-cap. The circumferential and axial length-scales decrease exponentially with Strouhal number. Both length-scales exhibit maxima near the Strouhal shedding frequency of St=0·21. The axial length-scales are found to depend on the measurement reference location due to the three-dimensional flow and separated flow region near the end-cap. The unsteady lift and drag predictions using the models developed in this work agree well with previously measured unsteady force data measured on inertial hydrophones exposed to flow. The broadband unsteady lift is found to be greater than the broadband unsteady drag by nominally 3dB.