Turbulence modulation by variable density and viscosity

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeChapterScientificpeer-review

128 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We investigate the effectiveness of the semi-local Reynolds number Re τ to parametrize wall-bounded flows with strong density, ρ, and viscosity, µ, gradients. Several cases are considered, namely, volumetrically heated low-Mach-number turbulent channel flows, a simultaneously heated and cooled flow with CO2 at supercritical pressure, and heated and cooled supersonic boundary layer flows. The mean density and viscosity in some of these cases vary up to a factor of nine and six, respectively. We show that, even for such high gradients in mean properties, the velocity transformation based on the semi-local Reynolds number is able to collapse the mean streamwise velocity profiles. We further-more provide evidence that the turbulent kinetic energy and streamwise vorticity budget equations are also governed by the semi-local Reynolds number. For cases with strong property variations, additional mechanisms appear that are caused by individual density (e.g., baroclinicity) or viscosity gradients. However, in the cases investigated herein, these additional mechanisms are small. The insights gained are used to improve a wall model, which is then tested in a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation (LES) of a compressible channel flow with isothermal walls.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2016 Summer Program
Subtitle of host publicationStudying Turbulence Using Numerical Simulation Databases - XVI
PublisherCenter for Turbulence Research, Stanford University, USA
Pages213-222
Publication statusPublished - 2017
EventStudying Turbulence Using Numerical Simulation Databases - XVI: 2016 Summer Program - Stanford, United States
Duration: 26 Jun 201622 Jul 2016
Conference number: 16
https://ctr.stanford.edu/proceedings-2016-summer-program

Conference

ConferenceStudying Turbulence Using Numerical Simulation Databases - XVI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityStanford
Period26/06/1622/07/16
Internet address

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Turbulence modulation by variable density and viscosity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this