Direct numerical simulation of turbulent flow in a spanwise rotating square duct at high rotation numbers

In this paper, direct numerical simulations have been performed to study the effects of Coriolis force on the turbulent flow field confined within a square duct subjected to spanwise system rotations at high rotation numbers. In response to the system rotation, secondary flows appear as large streamwise counter-rotating vortices, which interact intensely with the four boundary layers and have a significant impact on flow statistics, velocity spectra and coherent structures. It is observed that at sufficiently high rotation numbers, a Taylor–Proudman region appears and complete laminarization is almost reached near the top and side walls. The influence of large organized secondary flows on the production rate and re-distribution of turbulent kinetic energy has been investigated through a spectral analysis. It is observed that the Coriolis force dominates the transport of Reynolds stresses and turbulent kinetic energy, and forces the spectra of streamwise and vertical velocities to synchronize within a wide range of scales.