Large‐eddy simulation of a compressible free jet flow on unstructured elements

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a large‐eddy simulation, using low order numerical discretization and upwinding schemes on unstructured grids, for a turbulent free jet at Mach number 0.95. The accuracy and stability performance is discussed for the finite element/volume upwinding numerical code used.

Design/methodology/approach

This code is equipped with a self‐adaptive upwinding method which has been previously developed to reduce the numerical dissipation of applied low order flux calculation on unstructured elements using Roe's scheme. Herein, this method is used to numerically investigate a high Reynolds, compressible turbulent free jet and compare the results with a recently published set of experimental data. The effect of grid size is also investigated. A reasonable good agreement with the experimental measurements is obtained.

Findings

Based on the results, it is concluded that the developed self‐adaptive upwinding scheme provides a considerably better emulation of the flow regime in comparison to the full‐upwinding scheme. Different case studies have been carried out to assess the performance of self‐adaptive upwinding method and the effect of the subgrid model.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original research on self‐adaptive upwinding scheme and the effect of the subgrid model on a compressible turbulent free jet.

Citation

Tajallipour, N., Kumar, V. and Paraschivoiu, M. (2013), "Large‐eddy simulation of a compressible free jet flow on unstructured elements", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 336-354. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615531311293506