Date Available

12-7-2011

Year of Publication

2004

Document Type

Thesis

College

Engineering

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

George P. Huang

Abstract

A systematic approach of testing and validating transition models is developed and employed in testing of a recently developed transition model. The testing methodology uses efficient computational tools and a wide range of test cases. The computational tools include a boundary layer code, single zone Navier Stokes solver, and a multi-block Navier Stokes solver which uses MPI and is capable of handling complex geometries and moving grids. Test cases include simple flat plate experiments, cascade experiments, and unsteady wake/blade interaction experiments. The test cases are used to test the predicting capabilities of the transition model under various effects such as free stream turbulence intensity, Reynolds number variations, pressure gradient, flow separation, and unsteady wake/blade interaction. Using the above test cases and computational tools a method is developed to validate transition models. The transition model is first implemented in boundary layer code and tested for simple flat plate cases. Then the transition model is implemented in single zone Navier Stokes solver and tested for hysteresis effects for flat plate cases. Finally the transition model is implemented in multi zone Navier Stokes solver and tested for compressor and turbine cascade cases followed by unsteady wake/blade interaction experiments. Using the method developed a new correlation based transition model (Menter et al. 2004) which uses local variables is tested and validated. The new model predicted good results for high free stream turbulence and high Reynolds number cases. For low free stream turbulence and low Reynolds number cases, the results were satisfactory.

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