Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Modeling Turbulent Flows

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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

What is Turbulence?

Unsteady, aperiodic motion in which all three velocity components

fluctuate mixing matter, momentum, and energy.
Decompose velocity into mean and fluctuating parts:
Ui(t) Ui + ui(t)
ui(t)
U i (t)
Ui
Time

Similar fluctuations for pressure, temperature, and species concentration

values.
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Why Model Turbulence?

Direct numerical simulation of governing equations is only possible for simple

low-Re flows.
Instead, we solve Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations:

where

R
U i
p
2U i
U k

ij
xk
xi
x j x j x j

(steady, incompressible flow

w/o body forces)

(Reynolds stresses)

uj
ij ofuiturbulent
Time-averaged R
statistics
velocity fluctuations are modeled using
functions containing empirical constants and information about the mean flow.
Large Eddy Simulation numerically resolves large eddies and models small
eddies.

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Is the Flow Turbulent?

External Flows

Rex 5 10 5

where
along a surface

UL
ReL

L = x, D, Dh, etc.

around an obstacle

Other factors such as free-stream

turbulence, surface conditions, and
disturbances may cause earlier
transition to turbulent flow.

Internal Flows

Natural Convection
Ra 108 1010

where

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gTL3
Ra

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How Complex is the Flow?

Extra strain rates

Streamline curvature
Lateral divergence
Acceleration or deceleration
Swirl
Recirculation (or separation)
Secondary flow

3D perturbations
Transpiration (blowing/suction)
Free-stream turbulence
Interacting shear layers

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Choices to be Made
Flow
Physics

Computational
Resources

Turbulence Model
&
Near-Wall Treatment

Accuracy
Required

Computational
Grid

Turnaround
Time
Constraints

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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Turbulence Modeling Approaches

Zero-Equation Models

RANS-based
models

One-Equation Models
Spalart-Allmaras
Include
More
Physics

Two-Equation Models
Standard k-
RNG k-
Realizable k-

Reynolds-Stress Model

Available
in FLUENT 5

Increase
Computational
Cost
Per Iteration

Large-Eddy Simulation
Direct Numerical
Simulation
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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Reynolds Stress Terms in RANS-based Models

RANS equations require closure for Reynolds stresses.

Boussinesq Hypothesis:
(isotropic stresses)

U i U j
2

Rij ui u j k ij t

3
x j xi

Turbulent viscosity is indirectly solved for from single transport

equation of modified viscosity for One-Equation model.
For Two-Equation models, turbulent viscosity correlated with turbulent
kinetic energy (TKE) and the dissipation rate of TKE.
Turbulent Viscosity:

k2
t C

Transport equations for turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate are
solved so that turbulent viscosity can be computed for RANS
equations.

Turbulent
Kinetic Energy: k ui ui / 2

ui ui u j
Dissipation Rate of

Turbulent Kinetic Energy:

x j x j xi
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One Equation Model: Spalart-Allmaras

Turbulent viscosity is determined from:

~ / 3

t ~ ~ 3
3

c
1

~ is determined from the modified viscosity transport equation:

2

~
~
~

D

~
~~ 1
~

cw1 f w 2

cb1S

cb 2

Dt
~ x j
x j
d
x j

Generation

Diffusion

Destruction

The additional variables are functions of the modified turbulent viscosity and
velocity gradients.

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TRN-98-006

One-Equation Model: Spalart-Allmaras

Designed specifically for aerospace applications involving wallbounded flows.

Boundary layers with adverse pressure gradients

turbomachinery

Can use coarse or fine mesh at wall

Designed to be used with fine mesh as a low-Re model, i.e., throughout

the viscous-affected region.
Sufficiently robust for relatively crude simulations on coarse meshes.

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Two Equation Model: Standard k- Model

Turbulent Kinetic Energy
U j U i U j
k

k

U i
t

)
t k

x
x
x
x
x
x
i i j i i i Destruction

Convection

Generation

Diffusion

Dissipation Rate
2

U j U i U j

U i
C1 t

(t )
C2

x
k
x
x
x
x
x
k
i i j i i i
Convection

Diffusion

Generation

Destruction

k , , C1 , C2 are empirical constants

(equations written for steady, incompressible flow w/o body
forces)
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Two Equation Model: Standard k- Model

Baseline model (Two-equation)

Semi-empirical

Most widely used model in industry

Strength and weaknesses well documented
k equation derived by subtracting the instantaneous mechanical energy
equation from its time-averaged value
equation formed from physical reasoning

Valid only for fully turbulent flows

Reasonable accuracy for wide range of turbulent flows

industrial flows
heat transfer

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Two Equation Model: Realizable k-

Distinctions from Standard k- model:

Alternative formulation for turbulent viscosity

k2
t C

where

1
Ao As

U *k

is now variable

(A0, As, and U* are functions of velocity gradients)

2
Ensures positivity of normal stresses; u i 0

2
2 2
Ensures Schwarzs inequality; ( u i u j ) u i u j

New transport equation for dissipation rate, :

D

Dt x j

Diffusion

c
S

c
c3 Gb

1
2
1

x
k
k
j

Generation
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Destruction

Buoyancy
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Fluent Software Training

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Two Equation Model: Realizable k-

Shares the same turbulent kinetic energy equation as Standard k-

Superior performance for flows involving:

planar and round jets

boundary layers under strong adverse pressure gradients, separation
rotation, recirculation
strong streamline curvature

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Two Equation Model: RNG k-

Turbulent Kinetic Energy

k

k
2
k eff

U i
t S

xi
xi
xi
Generation Dissipation
Diffusion

Convection

where

1 U j U i
S 2Sij Sij , Sij

2 xi x j

Dissipation Rate
2

2
eff
C2
R
U i
C1 t S
x
k
x
x
k
i
i i Additional term
Convection

Generation

Diffusion

Destruction

related to mean strain

& turbulence quantities

k , , C1 , C2 are derived using RNG theory

(equations written for steady, incompressible flow w/o body
forces)
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Two Equation Model: RNG k-

k- equations are derived from the application of a rigorous statistical

technique (Renormalization Group Method) to the instantaneous NavierStokes equations.
Similar in form to the standard k- equations but includes:

additional term in equation that improves analysis of rapidly strained flows

the effect of swirl on turbulence
analytical formula for turbulent Prandtl number
differential formula for effective viscosity

Improved predictions for:

high streamline curvature and strain rate

transitional flows
wall heat and mass transfer

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Reynolds Stress Model

ui u j
J ijk
Reynolds Stress
U k
Pij ij ij
Transport Eqns.
xk
xk
U j

Pressure-Strain
Redistribution

ui u j

ij p

x
xi
j

(modeled)

Dissipation

ui u j
ij 2
xk xk

(related to )

Turbulent
Diffusion

J ijk ui u j uk p( jk ui ik u j )

(modeled)

xk

u j uk

U i
xk

Generation

Pij ui uk

Turbulent
transport

(computed)

Pressure/velocity
fluctuations

(equations written for steady, incompressible flow w/o body

forces)
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TRN-98-006

Reynolds Stress Model

RSM closes the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations by

solving additional transport equations for the Reynolds stresses.

Transport equations derived by Reynolds averaging the product of the

momentum equations with a fluctuating property
Closure also requires one equation for turbulent dissipation
Isotropic eddy viscosity assumption is avoided

Resulting equations contain terms that need to be modeled.

RSM has high potential for accurately predicting complex flows.

Accounts for streamline curvature, swirl, rotation and high strain rates

Cyclone flows, swirling combustor flows

Rotating flow passages, secondary flows

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TRN-98-006

Large Eddy Simulation

Large eddies:

Small eddies:

Mainly responsible for transport of momentum, energy, and other scalars,

directly affecting the mean fields.
Anisotropic, subjected to history effects, and flow-dependent, i.e., strongly
dependent on flow configuration, boundary conditions, and flow parameters.
Tend to be more isotropic and less flow-dependent
More likely to be easier to model than large eddies.

LES directly computes (resolves) large eddies and models only small
eddies (Subgrid-Scale Modeling).
Large computational effort

2
Number of grid points, NLES Reu

Unsteady calculation

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TRN-98-006

Comparison of RANS Turbulence Models

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Near-Wall Treatments

Most k- and RSM turbulence

models will not predict correct
near-wall behavior if integrated
down to the wall.
Special near-wall treatment is
required.

Standard wall functions

Nonequilibrium wall functions
Two-layer zonal model

Boundary layer structure

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Standard Wall Functions

Mean Velocity

U 1 ln Ey

where U

U P C 1/ 4 k 1P/ 2

w /

C 1/ 4 k 1P/ 2 y P

Temperature

Pr y

T
1

Pr
ln
Ey

( y * yT* )
( y * yT* )

(Tw TP ) c p C 1/ 4 k 1P/ 2
where T *
q

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thermal sublayer thickness

and P is a function of the fluid

and turbulent Prandtl numbers.
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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Nonequilibrium Wall Functions

Log-law is sensitized to pressure gradient for better

prediction of adverse pressure gradient flows and
separation.
Relaxed local equilibrium assumptions for TKE in
wall-neighboring cells.
Thermal law-of-wall unchanged

~ 1/ 4 1/ 2
1/ 4 1/ 2

U C k

y
C
k
1

ln E

w /

y yv
yv
yv
~
dp
y
1
where U U
ln

1/ 2
1/ 2
2 dx k

yv k
2

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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Two-Layer Zonal Model

Used for low-Re flows or

flows with complex near-wall
phenomena.
Zones distinguished by a walldistance-based turbulent
Reynolds number

Re y

Re y 200

ky

High-Re k- models are used in the turbulent core region.

Only k equation is solved in the viscosity-affected region.
is computed from the correlation for length scale.
Zoning is dynamic and solution adaptive.
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Comparison of Near Wall Treatments

Strengths
Standard wall
Functions

Robust, economical,
reasonably accurate

Nonequilibrium Accounts for p effects,

allows nonequilibrium:
wall functions

-separation
-reattachment
-impingement
Two-layer zonal Does not rely on empirical
law-of-the-wall relations,
model
good for complex flows,
applicable to low-Re flows

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Weaknesses
Empirically based on simple
high-Re flows; poor for low-Re
effects, massive transpiration,
p, strong body forces, highly
3D flows
Poor for low-Re effects, massive
transpiration, severe p, strong
body forces, highly 3D flows
Requires finer mesh resolution
and therefore larger cpu and
memory resources

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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Computational Grid Guidelines

Wall Function
Approach

Two-Layer Zonal
Model Approach

First grid point in log-law region

50 y 500

At least ten points in the BL.

Better to use stretched quad/hex

cells for economy.
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First grid point at y+ 1.

At least ten grid points within

buffer & sublayers.

Better to use stretched quad/hex

cells for economy.
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Fluent Software Training

TRN-98-006

Estimating Placement of First Grid Point

Estimate the skin friction coefficient based on correlations either

approximate or empirical:

c f / 2 0.0359 Re L

Flat Plate-

Pipe Flow- c f / 2 0.039 Re D

0 .2

0.2

u w / U e c f / 2

Compute the friction velocity:

Back out required distance from wall:

Wall functions
y1 = 250/u

Two-layer model
y1 = / u

Use post-processing to confirm near-wall mesh resolution

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Setting Boundary Conditions

Characterize turbulence at inlets & outlets (potential backflow)

k- models require k and

Reynolds stress model requires Rij and

Several options allow input using more familiar parameters

Turbulence intensity and length scale

Ideally suited for duct and pipe flows

Turbulence intensity and turbulent viscosity ratio

For flows downstream of grids /perforated plates: l opening size

Turbulence intensity and hydraulic diameter

length scale is related to size of large eddies that contain most of energy.
For boundary layer flows: l 0.499

For external flows:

/
t

10

Input of k and explicitly allowed (non-uniform profiles possible).

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GUI for Turbulence Models

Define Models Viscous...
Inviscid, Laminar, or Turbulent

Turbulence Model options

Near Wall Treatments

Additional Turbulence options

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Example: Channel Flow with Conjugate Heat

Transfer
adiabatic wall
cold air
V = 50 fpm
T = 0 F

1 ft
insulation

1 ft

constant temperature wall T = 100 F

10 ft

Predict the temperature at point P in the solid insulation

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Turbulence Modeling Approach

Check if turbulent ReDh= 5,980

Developing turbulent flow at relatively low Reynolds number and BLs

on walls will give pressure gradient use RNG k- with
nonequilibrium wall functions.
Develop strategy for the grid

Simple geometry quadrilateral cells

Expect large gradients in normal direction to horizontal walls fine mesh
near walls with first cell in log-law region.
Vary streamwise grid spacing so that BL growth is captured.
Use solution-based grid adaption to further resolve temperature gradients.

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Prediction of Momentum & Thermal

Boundary Layers
Velocity
contours
BLs on upper & lower surfaces accelerate the core flow

Temperature
contours

Important that thermal BL was accurately resolved as well

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Example: Flow Around a Cylinder

wall
2 ft
air
V = 4 fps

1 ft
2 ft
wall
5 ft

14.5 ft

Compute drag coefficient of the cylinder

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Turbulence Modeling Approach

Check if turbulent ReD = 24,600

Flow over an object, unsteady vortex shedding is expected,

difficult to predict separation on downstream side, and close
proximity of side walls may influence flow around cylinder
use RNG k- with 2-layer zonal model.

Develop strategy for the grid

Simple geometry & BLs quadrilateral cells.

Large gradients near surface of cylinder & 2-layer model
fine mesh near surface & first cell at y+ = 1.
Use solution-based grid adaption to further resolve pressure
gradients.

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Grid for Flow Over a Cylinder

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Prediction of Turbulent Vortex Shedding

Contours of effective viscosity

CD = 0.53

eff = + t

Strouhal Number = 0.297

D
where St
U
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Summary: Turbulence Modeling Guidelines

Successful turbulence modeling requires engineering judgement of:

Flow physics
Computer resources available
Project requirements

Accuracy
Turnaround time

Turbulence models & near-wall treatments that are available

Begin with standard k- and change to RNG or Realizable k- if

needed.
Use RSM for highly swirling flows.
Use wall functions unless low-Re flow and/or complex near-wall
physics are present.

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