Influence of turbulence on the performance of a laboratory scale HAWT

The oncoming wind to horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) may change its speed and direction stochastically in time. Hence, turbine blades are exposed to flows both with fluctuating angle of attack and fluctuating yaw angles. The modern wind turbines are reacting to those changes by pitch angle and torque control not only to exploit as much power as possible but also stabilize energy production and prevent any damage of the turbine. However, time scales of wind fluctuations and sudden changes of wind properties can be very short and with very high in amplitude. In the present study we focus on the influence of turbulence on the performance of a HAWT. Main motivation of the investigations is to figure out best strategies for the aerodynamic design of the blades operating under turbulent conditions. A laboratory scale HAWT and a performance measurement set-up are employed to measure the influence of the oncoming wind. The tests are conducted in the closed loop wind tunnel of our institute. The test section of the tunnel is 1.87 m in width, 1.4 m in height and 2 m in length. The rotor blades are specially designed and optimized for this wind tunnel and the generator used. The turbulence is generated by two static squared mesh grids; fine and coarse one. Hence, two mainly different turbulence scales are obtained. In addition, the distance between the wind-turbine and the grid is adjusted to have additional sub-turbulence scales for each grid. The turbulence is nearly isotropic and decays in the flow direction. The developments of Taylor's micro scale (λ_g) and integral scale (L_g) of the turbulence in the flow direction at various incoming wind velocities (8−16 m/s) are measured. Hence, the facility allows to expose the wind-turbine to turbulence with various energy and length scale content. Those measurements are conducted with hot-wire anemometry in the absence of the wind-turbine. Upstream and downstream turbulence intensities (TI) distributions are measured to give insight on the surrounding free stream and turbine wake interaction and how can different turbulence eddies scales contribute in the influence of the performance of the turbine. Performance measurements are conducted with and without turbulence and the results are compared. The study shows that the higher the turbulence, the more the power extracted by the turbine. This is due to the higher interaction of large eddies with the turbine wake and with the boundary layer, which helps to keeping it attached. Furthermore, higher TI's help in suppressing the tip vortex, thus, reduce turbine tip losses. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Assessment of an Eulerian CFD model for prediction of dilute droplet dispersion in a turbulent jet

The turbulent dispersion of non-evaporating droplets in an axisymmetric round jet issuing from a nozzle is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental data set has a well-defined inlet boundary with low turbulence intensity at the nozzle exit, so that droplet dispersion is not affected by the transport of nozzle-generated fluctuating motion into the jet, and is influenced solely by turbulence in the gas phase produced in the shear layer of the jet. This data set is thus ideal for testing algebraic models of droplet fluctuating motion that assume local equilibrium with the turbulence in the gas phase. Moreover, the droplet flux measurements are sufficiently accurate that conservation of the total volume flow of the droplet phase has been demonstrated. A two-fluid turbulence modelling approach is adopted, which uses the k–ε turbulence model and a simple algebraic model that assumes local equilibrium to predict the fluid and droplet turbulent correlations, respectively. We have shown that the k–ε turbulence model lacks generality for predicting the spread of momentum in jets with and without a potential core. However, in general, the model predicts the radial dispersion of droplets in the considered turbulent jet with reasonable accuracy over a broad range of droplet sizes, once deficiencies in the k–ε turbulence model are taken into account.     

Thermodynamics of multi-temperature fluids with applications to turbulence modelling

The thermodynamics of a fluid with several distinct temperatures is considered. The balance laws are studied and a set of linear constitutive equations is derived; equations of motion are obtained and discussed. The application of the developed theory to turbulence modelling is studied and results are shown to be consistent with the one-equation models of turbulence. The thermodynamics of turbulence is also briefly discussed.     

Micromorphic theory of turbulence

Based on the theory of micromorphic fluid dynamics (MMF), a new theory of turbulence is introduced. The law of conservation of microinertia of MMF is replaced by a balance law of microinertia, with all other laws remaining unchanged, the theory is called, “extended micromorphic fluid dynamics”. The present theory of turbulence is founded on the extended theory. Thus, a new theory of turbulence, is founded on the first principles, not using any a priori closure assumptions or semi-empirical hypothesis. Field equations are solved for the two-dimensional steady channel flow. The mean velocity turbulent shear stress and all turbulent velocities are in remarkably good agreement with the experimentally observed turbulent velocities.     

A one-dimensional model for dispersive wave turbulence

Summary A family of one-dimensional nonlinear dispersive wave equations is introduced as a model for assessing the validity of weak turbulence theory for random waves in an unambiguous and transparent fashion. These models have an explicitly solvable weak turbulence theory which is developed here, with Kolmogorov-type wave number spectra exhibiting interesting dependence on parameters in the equations. These predictions of weak turbulence theory are compared with numerical solutions with damping and driving that exhibit a statistical inertial scaling range over as much as two decades in wave number. It is established that the quasi-Gaussian random phase hypothesis of weak turbulence theory is an excellent approximation in the numerical statistical steady state. Nevertheless, the predictions of weak turbulence theory fail and yield a much flatter (|k|^−1/3) spectrum compared with the steeper (|k|^−3/4) spectrum observed in the numerical statistical steady state. The reasons for the failure of weak turbulence theory in this context are elucidated here. Finally, an inertial range closure and scaling theory is developed which successfully predicts the inertial range exponents observed in the numerical statistical steady states.     

Statistical modeling of compressible turbulent channel flow

Several questions that are relevant to turbulence modeling are addressed on the basis of recently obtained direct numerical simulation results of turbulent supersonic channel flow. In particular, this concerns the turbulence frequency production mechanism, wall damping effects on turbulence model parameters, and the relevance of compressibility effects. Limited support is found for usually applied models for the turbulence frequency production and wall damping effects. In contrast to that it is shown that turbulence frequency production mechanisms and wall damping effects may be explained very well on the basis of a frequency scaling that characterizes mean flow changes. The influence of compressibility is found to be relevant. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The effect of turbulence on mixing in prototype reaction‐diffusion systems

The effect of turbulence on mixing in prototype reaction‐diffusion systems is analyzed here in the special situation where the turbulence is modeled ideally with two separated scales consisting of a large‐scale mean flow plus a small‐scale spatiotemporal periodic flow. In the limit of fast reaction and slow diffusion, it is rigorously proved that the turbulence does not contribute to the location of the mixing zone in the limit and that this mixing zone location is determined solely by advection of the large‐scale velocity field. This surprising result contrasts strongly with earlier work of the authors that always yields a large‐scale propagation speed enhanced by small‐scale turbulence for propagating fronts. The mathematical reasons for these differences are pointed out. This main theorem rigorously justifies the limit equilibrium approximations utilized in non‐premixed turbulent diffusion flames and condensation‐evaporation modeling in cloud physics in the fast reaction limit. The subtle nature of this result is emphasized by explicit examples presented in the fast reaction and zero‐diffusion limit with a nontrivial effect of turbulence on mixing in the limit. The situation with slow reaction and slow diffusion is also studied in the present work. Here the strong stirring by turbulence before significant reaction occurs necessarily leads to a homogenized limit with the strong mixing effects of turbulence expressed by a rigorous turbulent diffusivity modifying the reaction‐diffusion equations. Physical examples from non‐premixed turbulent combustion and cloud microphysics modeling are utilized throughout the paper to motivate and interpret the mathematical results. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The influence of turbulence on a columnar vortex with axial flow

The interaction between a columnar vortex and external turbulence is investigated numerically. A q -vortex is immersed in an initially isotropic homogeneous turbulence field, which itself is produced numerically by a direct numerical simulation of decaying turbulence. The formation of turbulent eddies around the columnar vortex and the vortex-core deformations are studied in detail by visualizing the flow field. In the less-stable case with q = –1.5, small thin spiral structures are formed inside the vortex core. In the unstable case with q = –0.45, the linear unstable modes grow until the columnar vortex make one turn. Its growth rate agrees with that of the linear analysis of Mayer and Powell[1]. After two turns of the vortex, the secondary instability is excited, which causes collapse of the columnar q -vortex and the sudden appearance of many fine scale vortices. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Direct numerical simulation of compressible isotropic turbulence

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of decaying compressible isotropic turbulence at turbulence Mach numbers of M_t = 0.2-0.7 and Taylor Reynolds numbers of 72 and 153 is performed by using the 7th order upwind-biased difference and 8th order center difference schemes. Results show that proper upwind-biased difference schemes can release the limit of“start-up” problem to Mach numbers. Compressibility effects on the statistics of turbulent flow as well as the mechanics of shocklets in compressible turbulence are also studied, and the conclusion is drawn that high Mach number leads to more dissipation. Scaling laws in compressible turbulence are also analyzed. Evidence is obtained that scaling laws and extended self similarity (ESS) hold in the compressible turbulent flow in spite of the presence of shocklets, and compressibility has little effect on scaling exponents.     

Non-linear k– turbulence model results for flow over a building at full-scale

Turbulence modelling is a crucial question in the application of CFD to flows over buildings. The impinging flow and anisotropic nature of the turbulence present severe challenges. This paper presents a comparison of CFD against full-scale results. It differs from previous work which has concentrated on the wind-tunnel scale. In order to better account for the production of turbulent kinetic energy and the anisotropic nature of the turbulence a non-linear k– model is implemented. The results are discussed for different turbulence models and for the comparison of computed results with the measurements from full-scale.     

DNS of laminar separation nubble flows with free-stream fluctuations

A series of Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of Laminar Separation Bubble (LSB) flow in the presence of external disturbances has been performed. In all simulations, the primary mechanism for the transition to turbulence was found to be a two-dimensional Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability of the separated shear layer that was triggered by the external fluctuation(s). The KH instability caused the shear layer to roll up. Inside the rolled up shear layer, entrained disturbances triggered elliptic instabilities which led to a rapid transition to fully three-dimensional (3D) turbulence. In the simulations with inflow oscillations the streamwise variation of the location of transition was found to decrease with the amplitude of the inflow oscillation. In the simulations with free-stream turbulence the size of the separation bubble – measured by the shape factor – was found to drastically decrease with increasing free-stream turbulence level. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Drag Reduction in Wall Bounded Flows: The Effect of Polymers on the Dynamics of Turbulence

Experiments in a refractive index matched pipe flow facility were conducted using state-of-the-art laser-Doppler anemometry to study turbulent drag reduction by dilute addition of high polymers. The results were analyzed employing the invariant theory of turbulence. It was thus possible to confirm the major conclusion of preceding theoretical work, namely that the mechanism of drag reduction by long-chain polymers is associated with an increase in anisotropy of turbulence at the wall. Furthermore, theoretical considerations based on the elastic behavior of a polymer and spatial intermittency of turbulence at small scales enabled quantitative estimates to be made for the relaxation time of a polymer and its concentration that ensures maximum drag reduction. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Numerical Investigation of the Interaction of Turbulent Wind Flow and Elastic Structures

The Interaction between wind flow and structures plays an important role in the computation of civil engineering application. In case of gravity prestressed membrane roofs, the wind lifting forces may exceed the dead load leading to high amplitude structural oscillations, which interact with the flow field. To investigate the interaction a consistent discretization method based on stabilized space‐time finite elements is applied. The flow field is modeled with the incompressible Reynolds Averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) equations with an anisotropic eddy‐viscosity turbulence model. The structural motion is described with the theory for geometrically nonlinear elastic deformation behavior, a strong coupling algorithm for the time‐dependent fluid‐structure interaction is implemented. Two applications show the capability of the turbulence model in representing the anisotropic turbulence structure, the differences in the flow field over a bluff body between two configurations representing a rigid and an elastic membrane roof, discusses the structural responses of the roof at a high Reynolds number. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Comparison of Inviscid and Viscous Two‐Phase Calculations of Cavitating Pump Flow

In cavitating flows there is a strong interaction between the fine dispersed vapor bubbles and turbulence. Therefore in two‐phase flow calculations the prediction of turbulence is a matter of great difficulties and uncertainties. To get an idea of the influence of turbulence modelling on the calculated result, viscous and inviscid two‐phase calculations of cavitating pump flow were performed. In the inviscid calculations the influence of cavitation is isolated from turbulence effects. In the viscous calculations the effect of turbulence is modelled with a k – ϵ turbulence model. The results show that the influence of viscous effects on the flow field is weak in comparison to cavitation. However, in contrast to the steady cavitation behaviour predicted by the viscous calculations, the inviscid calculations show unsteady behaviour of the cavitation (as can be seen in the experiment).     

Coherent structure visiometrics: From the soliton to HEC

In this paper I give a brief personal review of the history of the early soliton days and how they led to thevisiometrics and reduced modeling paradigm that has been a part of my approach to nonlinear science in the last three decades. I illustrate it with HEC (Hybrid Eiliptic-Contour): a fast, minimal, asymptotically motivated model for unforced, 2-dimensional incompressible weakly dissipative turbulence (U2DIT).The work on reduced modeling of two-dimensional turbulence is on-going with David G. Dritschel and Hongbing Yao (incompressible); and Jaideep Ray, Thomas Scheidegger and Ravi Samtaney (compressible).     

Scaling laws and vanishing-viscosity limits for wall-bounded shear flows and for local structure in developed turbulence

Scaling laws for wall-bounded turbulence are derived and their properties are analyzed via vanishing-viscosity asymptotics; a comparison of the results with recent experiments shows that the observed scaling law differs significantly from the customary logarithmic law of the wall. The Izakson-Millikan-von Mises derivation of turbulence structure, properly interpreted, confirms this analysis. Analogous relations for the local structure of turbulence are given, including results on the scaling of the higher-order structure functions; these results suggest that there are no Reynolds-number-independent corrections to the Kolmogorov exponent and thus that the classical 1941 version of the Kolmogorov theory already gives the limiting behavior. The use of small-viscosity asymptotics is explained, and the consequences of the theory and of the experimental evidence for the Navier-Stokes equations and for the statistical theory of turbulence are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Direct numerical simulation of turbulent non-Newtonian flow using a spectral element method

A spectral element—Fourier method (SEM) for Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of the turbulent flow of non-Newtonian fluids is described and the particular requirements for non-Newtonian rheology are discussed. The method is implemented in parallel using the MPI message passing kernel, and execution times scale somewhat less than linearly with the number of CPUs, however this is more than compensated by the improved simulation turn around times. The method is applied to the case of turbulent pipe flow, where simulation results for a shear-thinning (power law) fluid are compared to those of a yield stress (Herschel–Bulkley) fluid at the same generalised Reynolds number. It is seen that the yield stress significantly dampens turbulence intensities in the core of the flow where the quasi-laminar flow region there co-exists with a transitional wall zone. An additional simulation of the flow of blood in a channel is undertaken using a Carreau–Yasuda rheology model, and results compared to those of the one-equation Spalart-Allmaras RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes) model. Agreement between the mean flow velocity profile predictions is seen to be good. Use of a DNS technique to study turbulence in non-Newtonian fluids shows great promise in understanding transition and turbulence in shear thinning, non-Newtonian flows.     

反映强流动曲率效应的非线性湍流模型

首先定性地分析了流线曲率效应对流场湍流结构的影响,然后以U型槽道流为典型算例,对多种湍流模型进行了评估．评估的模型包括:线性涡粘性模型,二阶和三阶非线性涡粘性模型,二阶显式代数应力模型和Reynolds应力模型．评估结果表明,性能良好的三阶非线性涡粘性模型,如黄于宁等人发展的HM模型以及CLS模型,可以较好地描述流线的曲率效应对湍流结构的影响,如凸曲率作用下内壁附近湍流强度的衰减和凹曲率作用下外壁附近湍流的增强,并且较好地确定了管道下游的分离点位置和分离泡长度,其预测的结果和实验符合较好,与Reynolds力模型的结果十分接近,因此可以较好地应用于具有曲率效应的工程湍流的计算．