Implementation and validation of a hybrid RANS/LES model in the spectral element solver NEK5000

S. Bhushan, D. K. Walters, Elia Merzari, A. Obabko

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

A dynamic hybrid RANS/LES (DHRL) model has been implemented in the spectral-element solver Nek5000 to reduce computational expense for high Reynolds number applications. The model couples a k-ε URANS model and the dynamic Smagorinsky model for LES. The model is validated for plane channel flow at Reπ = 590 using DNS data, and compared with LES predictions. The model is then applied for the ANL-MAX case, which is a test case relevant to nuclear reactor cooling flow simulations. For the channel flow case, DHRL predictions were similar to LES on finer grids, but on coarser grids, the former predicted velocity profiles closer to DNS than the latter in the log-layer region. The improved prediction by the DHRL model was identified to be due to a 30% additional contribution of RANS stresses. For the ANL-MAX case, the URANS simulation predicts quasi-steady flow, with dominant largescale turbulent structures, whereas LES predicts small-scale turbulent structures comparable with results in rapid mixing of cool and warm flow jets. DHRL simulations predict LES mode in the inlet jet region, and URANS mode elsewhere, as expected.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSymposia
Subtitle of host publicationAdvances in Fluids Engineering Education; Turbomachinery Flow Predictions and Optimization; Applications in CFD; Bio-Inspired Fluid Mechanics; Droplet-Surface Interactions; CFD Verification and Validation; Development and Applications of Immersed Boundary Methods; DNS, LES, and Hybrid RANS/LES Methods
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791846216
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2014
EventASME 2014 4th Joint US-European Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM 2014, Collocated with the ASME 2014 12th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels - Chicago, United States
Duration: Aug 3 2014Aug 7 2014

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Fluids Engineering Division (Publication) FEDSM
Volume1A
ISSN (Print)0888-8116

Other

OtherASME 2014 4th Joint US-European Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting, FEDSM 2014, Collocated with the ASME 2014 12th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period8/3/148/7/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Mechanical Engineering

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