Direct numerical simulation of the turbulent flow inside a differentially heated cavity

Javier Martínez, Elia Merzari, Michael Acton, Emilio Baglietto

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The turbulent flow inside a differentially heated cavity at a Rayleigh number of approximately 10 9 has been studied through a fully resolved Direct Numerical Simulation using the high-order Spectral Element Method code Nek5000. The case chosen for the present paper includes two physical phenomena: the natural recirculation itself, and the flow inside a curved channel that has been added to bottom right corner of the cavity. Solutions are presented as reference for the validation of models when the two physical phenomena are superposed. Simulations have been carried out either using the Boussinesq approximation or a low-Mach compressible formulation. Significant discrepancies between the two methods inform of the extreme necessary caution to consider when using the Boussinesq approximation in the limits of its applicability. Proper resolution of the DNS has been analyzed by considering the polynomial order convergence of the solution and the computation of the Reynolds stresses budgets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages644-658
Number of pages15
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018
EventInternational Topical Meeting on Advances in Thermal Hydraulics 2018, ATH 2018 - Held in conjunction with the 2018 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Winter Meeting - Orlando, United States
Duration: Nov 11 2018Nov 15 2018

Other

OtherInternational Topical Meeting on Advances in Thermal Hydraulics 2018, ATH 2018 - Held in conjunction with the 2018 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Winter Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period11/11/1811/15/18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics

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