Highly accurate simulations of turbulent mixing layers
Location
Bobo Room, Hodgin Hall, Third Floor
Start Date
8-11-2017 9:00 AM
End Date
8-11-2017 10:00 AM
Abstract
Fluid dynamics is the study of how liquids and gases move and how different forces affect their movement. When fluids move in a chaotic and random manner, it is called turbulence. Accurate prediction of turbulent flows is important for many industries, because such flows affect operation of vehicles, efficiency of machines, and chemical processes. For example, fuel consumption in cars and airplanes and power output of wind farms are influenced by turbulence effects. Historically, turbulent flows have been studied using experiments. However, with the increase of computational power in recent decades, it became possible to perform highly accurate simulations of turbulent flows. Flow simulations produce data that are difficult if possible at all to obtain from experiments. In the current study, we simulate mixing of two parallel streams of a fluid, each with a different velocity. The two streams are initially separated by a solid plate. Downstream of the plate, they mix and produce a turbulent mixing layer. Turbulent mixing layers are found in many applications such as, for example, inside an engine or in the wake of wind turbines. Even though mixing layers have been studied for decades, their physics is complex and not well understood. We conduct highly accurate flow simulations, which will produce new data, not previously available. This data will be analyzed to advance our knowledge of such flows. Due to the random nature of turbulence, statistical analysis is used as a tool for the flow analysis. Results of the study will have a positive impact on automotive, aeronautical, aerospace and energy industry sectors.
Highly accurate simulations of turbulent mixing layers
Bobo Room, Hodgin Hall, Third Floor
Fluid dynamics is the study of how liquids and gases move and how different forces affect their movement. When fluids move in a chaotic and random manner, it is called turbulence. Accurate prediction of turbulent flows is important for many industries, because such flows affect operation of vehicles, efficiency of machines, and chemical processes. For example, fuel consumption in cars and airplanes and power output of wind farms are influenced by turbulence effects. Historically, turbulent flows have been studied using experiments. However, with the increase of computational power in recent decades, it became possible to perform highly accurate simulations of turbulent flows. Flow simulations produce data that are difficult if possible at all to obtain from experiments. In the current study, we simulate mixing of two parallel streams of a fluid, each with a different velocity. The two streams are initially separated by a solid plate. Downstream of the plate, they mix and produce a turbulent mixing layer. Turbulent mixing layers are found in many applications such as, for example, inside an engine or in the wake of wind turbines. Even though mixing layers have been studied for decades, their physics is complex and not well understood. We conduct highly accurate flow simulations, which will produce new data, not previously available. This data will be analyzed to advance our knowledge of such flows. Due to the random nature of turbulence, statistical analysis is used as a tool for the flow analysis. Results of the study will have a positive impact on automotive, aeronautical, aerospace and energy industry sectors.
