Title: A rotation/curvature correction for turbulence models for applied CFD

Authors: Sunil K. Arolla; Paul A. Durbin

Addresses: Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, 637 Frank H.T. Rhodes Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA ' Department of Aerospace Engineering, Iowa State University, 2237 Howe Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA

Abstract: Scalar eddy viscosity models are the workhorses of industrial CFD. But they are insensitive to the effects of frame rotation and streamline curvature. To enhance the utility of these models in the design process, it is necessary to sensitise them with a rotation/curvature correction. In this paper, we present a unified model for rotation/curvature effects and discuss its applicability for two practically relevant flow configurations. Mean flow characteristics obtained through RANS computations are compared with LES data or experiments. The improvements obtained in using the rotation/curvature correction are highlighted.

Keywords: eddy viscosity; frame rotation; streamline curvature; material derivative; strain rate tensor; circulation control; tip leakage vortex; CFD; computational fluid dynamics; rotation correction; curvature correction; turbulence modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/PCFD.2014.065472

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal, 2014 Vol.14 No.6, pp.341 - 351

Published online: 25 Nov 2014 *

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