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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2024

Mauro Minervino and Renato Tognaccini

This study aims to propose an aerodynamic force decomposition which, for the first time, allows for thrust/drag bookkeeping in two-dimensional viscous and unsteady flows. Lamb…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose an aerodynamic force decomposition which, for the first time, allows for thrust/drag bookkeeping in two-dimensional viscous and unsteady flows. Lamb vector-based far-field methods are used at the scope, and the paper starts with extending recent steady compressible formulas to the unsteady regime.

Design/methodology/approach

Exact vortical force formulas are derived considering inertial or non-inertial frames, viscous or inviscid flows, fixed or moving bodies. Numerical applications to a NACA0012 airfoil oscillating in pure plunging motion are illustrated, considering subsonic and transonic flow regimes. The total force accuracy and sensitivity to the control volume size is first analysed, then the axial force is decomposed and results are compared to the inviscid force (thrust) and to the steady force (drag).

Findings

Two total axial force decompositions in thrust and drag contributions are proposed, providing satisfactory results. An additional force decomposition is also formulated, which is independent of the arbitrary pole appearing in vortical formulas. Numerical inaccuracies encountered in inertial reference frames are eliminated, and the extended formulation also allows obtaining an accurate force prediction in presence of shock waves.

Originality/value

No thrust/drag bookkeeping methodology was actually available for oscillating airfoils in viscous and compressible flows.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

Ahmad Reza Roozbehi, Mohammad Zabetian Targhi, Mohammad Mahdi Heyhat and Ala Khatibi

This numerical study aims to investigate the modification of the hexagonal pin fin geometry to enhance both the thermal and hydraulic performance of the copper micropin fin heat…

Abstract

Purpose

This numerical study aims to investigate the modification of the hexagonal pin fin geometry to enhance both the thermal and hydraulic performance of the copper micropin fin heat sink with single-phase water coolant in a laminar regime. The heat sink performance evaluation criteria have been investigated for the parametric effects of vertex angle θ (10–120) and relative length (RL) (0.25–9) of hexagonal pin fins.

Design/methodology/approach

To carry out research and reduce the computational cost, only one heat sink unit is simulated and analyzed using periodic boundary conditions on the side walls and includes a hexagonal pin fin and half channel on both sides to reflect the structural characteristics completely. The governing equations are also solved using finite volume method.

Findings

The results reveal that θ = 60 and RL = 1 yield the optimum thermal performance and heat sink performance is significantly influenced by the vertex angle and RL. The modified hexagon geometry improves fluid flow behavior by reducing the volume of the recirculation region behind the pin fin, preventing its effects on the downstream pin fins and restricting the thermal boundary layer development on its straight side. At Re = 1,000, the modified geometry enhances the average Nusselt number by 24.46% and the thermal performance factor by 23.89%, demonstrating the potential of modified hexagonal pin fins to enhance micropin fin heat sink performance.

Originality/value

Prior studies suggest using the pin fins with a regular hexagonal cross-section to obtain better thermal performance. However, this comes with a higher pressure drop penalty. The modification of the hexagonal pin fin geometry has been investigated in this numerical study to enhance both the thermal and hydraulic performance of the micropin fin heat sink. Because little attention has been paid to the modification of the regular hexagonal pin fins, as a geometry inspired by natural honeycomb structures, its design optimization is relatively scarce, and a gap was felt in this field.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Xiang Shen, Kai Zeng, Liming Yang, Chengyong Zhu and Laurent Dala

This paper aims to study passive control techniques for transonic flow over a backward-facing step (BFS) using square-lobed trailing edges. The study investigates the efficacy of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study passive control techniques for transonic flow over a backward-facing step (BFS) using square-lobed trailing edges. The study investigates the efficacy of upward and downward lobe patterns, different lobe widths and deflection angles on flow separation, aiming for a deeper understanding of the flow physics behind the passive flow control system.

Design/methodology/approach

Large Eddy Simulation and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes were used to evaluate the results of the study. The research explores the impact of upward and downward patterns of lobes on flow separation through the effects of different lobe widths and deflection angles. Numerical methods are used to analyse the behaviour of transonic flow over BFS and compared it to existing experimental results.

Findings

The square-lobed trailing edges significantly enhance the reduction of mean reattachment length by up to 80%. At Ma = 0.8, the up-downward configuration demonstrates increased effectiveness in reducing the root mean square of pressure fluctuations at a proximity of 5-step height in the wake region, with a reduction of 50%, while the flat-downward configuration proves to be more efficient in reducing the root mean square of pressure fluctuations at a proximity of 1-step height in the near wake region, achieving a reduction of 71%. Furthermore, the study shows that the up-downward configuration triggers early spanwise velocity fluctuations, whereas the standalone flat-downward configuration displays less intense crosswise velocity fluctuations within the wake region.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of square-lobed trailing edges as passive control techniques, showing significant implications for improving efficiency, performance and safety of the design in aerospace and industrial systems.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the square-lobed trailing edges are effective in reducing the mean reattachment length and pressure fluctuations in transonic conditions. The study evaluates the efficacy of different configurations, deflection angles and lobe widths on flow and provides insights into the flow physics of passive flow control systems.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2023

Mingqiu Zheng, Chenxing Hu and Ce Yang

The purpose of this study is to propose a fast method for predicting flow fields with periodic behavior with verification in the context of a radial turbine to meet the urgent…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a fast method for predicting flow fields with periodic behavior with verification in the context of a radial turbine to meet the urgent requirement to effectively capture the unsteady flow characteristics in turbomachinery. Aiming at meeting the urgent requirement to effectively capture the unsteady flow characteristics in turbomachinery, a fast method for predicting flow fields with periodic behavior is proposed here, with verification in the context of a radial turbine (RT).

Design/methodology/approach

Sparsity-promoting dynamic mode decomposition is used to determine the dominant coherent structures of the unsteady flow for mode selection, and for flow-field prediction, the characteristic parameters including amplitude and frequency are predicted using one-dimensional Gaussian fitting with flow rate and two-dimensional triangulation-based cubic interpolation with both flow rate and rotation speed. The flow field can be rebuilt using the predicted characteristic parameters and the chosen model.

Findings

Under single flow-rate variation conditions, the turbine flow field can be recovered using the first seven modes and fitted amplitude modulus and frequency with less than 5% error in the pressure field and less than 9.7% error in the velocity field. For the operating conditions with concurrent flow-rate and rotation-speed fluctuations, the relative error in the anticipated pressure field is likewise within an acceptable range. Compared to traditional numerical simulations, the method requires a lot less time while maintaining the accuracy of the prediction.

Research limitations/implications

It would be challenging and interesting work to extend the current method to nonlinear problems.

Practical implications

The method presented herein provides an effective solution for the fast prediction of unsteady flow fields in the design of turbomachinery.

Originality/value

A flow prediction method based on sparsity-promoting dynamic mode decomposition was proposed and applied into a RT to predict the flow field under various operating conditions (both rotation speed and flow rate change) with reasonable prediction accuracy. Compared with numerical calculations or experiments, the proposed method can greatly reduce time and resource consumption for flow field visualization at design stage. Most of the physics information of the unsteady flow was maintained by reconstructing the flow modes in the prediction method, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of physical mechanisms.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Mano S. and Nadaraja Pillai S.

This study aims to investigate the effect of downstream characteristics of S809 wind turbine blade with various extended flat plate (EFP) configuration. Wind farms are recently…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of downstream characteristics of S809 wind turbine blade with various extended flat plate (EFP) configuration. Wind farms are recently modified to improve the power production through placing number of wind turbines and locations.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of wind tunnel experiments were carried out to evaluate the downstream wake characteristics of the S809 airfoil attached with various EFP (EFP, A = 0.1C, 0.2C and 0.3C) at various angles of attack corresponding to free stream velocity Reynolds number (Re) = 2.11 × 105 and various turbulence intensity (TI = 5%, 7%, 10% and 12%).

Findings

For the S809 wind turbine blade attached with EFP, the downstream velocity ratio decreases with increasing in angle of attack and the velocity deficit decrease with increasing turbulence intensity (TI) up to TI = 10%. The wake intensity for the S809 wind turbine blade and S809 airfoil with 10% of chord EFP performs the same for each downstream location.

Practical implications

Placing the wind turbine in the wind park next to another wind turbine poses a potential challenge for the park power performance. This research addresses the characteristics of the downstream turbulence intensity profile modified with the EFP in the wind turbine blade which improves the downstream characteristics of the turbine in the wind park.

Originality/value

The downstream velocity ratio decreases with increasing angle of attack and the velocity deficit decrease with increasing turbulence intensity (TI) up to TI = 10%.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2022

Ahmed Benamor, Aissa Abidi-Saad, Ridha Mebrouk and Sarra Fatnassi

This study aims at investigating two-dimensional laminar flow of power-law fluids around three unconfined side-by-side cylinders.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at investigating two-dimensional laminar flow of power-law fluids around three unconfined side-by-side cylinders.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical study is performed by solving the governing (continuity and momentum) equations using a finite volume-based code ANSYS Fluent. The numerical results have been presented for different combinations of the governing dimensionless parameters (dimensionless spacing, 1.2 = L = 4; Reynolds number, 0.1 = Re = 100; power-law index, 0.2 = n = 1.8). The dependence of the kinematic and macroscopic characteristics of the flow such as streamline patterns, distribution of the surface pressure coefficient, total drag coefficient with its components (pressure and friction) and total lift coefficient on these dimensionless parameters has been discussed in detail.

Findings

It is found that the separation of the flow and the apparition of the wake region accelerate as the dimensionless spacing decreases, the number of the cylinder increases and/or the fluid behavior moves from shear-thinning to Newtonian then to shear-thickening behavior. In addition, the distribution of the pressure coefficient on the surface of the cylinders presents a complex dependence on the fluid behavior index and Reynolds number when the dimensionless spacing between two adjacent cylinders is varied. At low Reynolds numbers, the drag coefficient of shear-thinning fluids is stronger than that of Newtonian fluids; this tendency decreases progressively with increasing of Re until a critical value; beyond the critical Re, the opposite trend is observed. The lift coefficient of the middle cylinder is null, whereas, the exterior cylinders experience opposite lift coefficients, which show a complex dependence on the dimensionless spacing, the Reynolds number and the power-law index.

Originality/value

The flow over bluff bodies is a practical engineering problem. In the literature, it can be seen that the previous studies on non-Newtonian fluids are limited to the flow over one or two cylinders (effect of an odd number of cylinders on each other). Besides that, the available results concerning the flow of Newtonian fluids over three cylinders are limited to the high Reynolds numbers region only. However, this work treats the flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluids past three circular cylinders in side-by-side arrangements under a wide range of Re. The outcome of the present study demonstrates that the augmentation of the geometry complexity to three cylinders (effect of pair surrounding cylinders on the surrounded ones in what concerns Von Karman Street phenomenon) causes a drastic change in the flow patterns and in the macroscopic characteristics. The present results may be used to predict the flow behavior around multiple side-by-side cylinders.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Jacques Abou Khalil, César Jiménez Navarro, Rami El Jeaid, Abderahmane Marouf, Rajaa El Akoury, Yannick Hoarau, Jean-François Rouchon and Marianna Braza

This study aims to investigate the morphing concepts able to manipulate the dynamics of the downstream unsteadiness in the separated shear layers and, in the wake, be able to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the morphing concepts able to manipulate the dynamics of the downstream unsteadiness in the separated shear layers and, in the wake, be able to modify the upstream shock–boundary layer interaction (SBLI) around an A320 morphing prototype to control these instabilities, with emphasis to the attenuation or even suppression of the transonic buffet. The modification of the aerodynamic performances according to a large parametric study carried out at Reynolds number of 4.5 × 106, Mach number of 0.78 and various angles of attack in the range of (0, 2.4)° according to two morphing concepts (travelling waves and trailing edge vibration) are discussed, and the final benefits in aerodynamic performance increase are evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines through high fidelity (Hi-Fi) numerical simulation the effects of the trailing edge (TE) actuation and of travelling waves along a specific area of the suction side starting from practically the most downstream position of the shock wave motion according to the buffet and extending up to nearly the TE. The present paper studies through spectral analysis the coherent structures development in the near wake and the comparison of the aerodynamic forces to the non-actuated case. Thus, the physical mechanisms of the morphing leading to the increase of the lift-to-drag ratio and the drag and noise sources reduction are identified.

Findings

This study investigates the influence of shear-layer and near-wake vortices on the SBLI around an A320 aerofoil and attenuation of the related instabilities thanks to novel morphing: travelling waves generated along the suction side and trailing-edge vibration. A drag reduction of 14% and a lift-to-drag increase in the order of 8% are obtained. The morphing has shown a lift increase in the range of (1.8, 2.5)% for angle of attack of 1.8° and 2.4°, where a significant lift increase of 7.7% is obtained for the angle of incidence of 0° with a drag reduction of 3.66% yielding an aerodynamic efficiency of 11.8%.

Originality/value

This paper presents results of morphing A320 aerofoil, with a chord of 70cm and subjected to two actuation kinds, original in the state of the art at M = 0.78 and Re = 4.5 million. These Hi-Fi simulations are rather rare; a majority of existing ones concern smaller dimensions. This study showed for the first time a modified buffet mode, displaying periodic high-lift “plateaus” interspersed by shorter lift-decrease intervals. Through trailing-edge vibration, this pattern is modified towards a sinusoidal-like buffet, with a considerable amplitude decrease. Lock-in of buffet frequency to the actuation is obtained, leading to this amplitude reduction and a drastic aerodynamic performance increase.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2023

Samir Ouchene, Arezki Smaili and Hachimi Fellouah

This paper aims to investigate the problem of estimating the angle of attack (AoA) and relative velocity for vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) blades from computational fluid…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the problem of estimating the angle of attack (AoA) and relative velocity for vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) blades from computational fluid dynamics data.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods are implemented as function objects within the OpenFOAM framework for estimating the blade’s AoA and relative velocity. For the numerical analysis of the flow around and through the VAWT, 2 D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations are carried out and validated against experimental data.

Findings

To gain a better understanding of the complex flow features encountered by VAWT blades, the determination of the AoA is crucial. Relying on the geometrically-derived AoA may lead to wrong conclusions about blade aerodynamics.

Practical implications

This study can lead to the development of more robust optimization techniques for enhancing the variable-pitch control mechanism of VAWT blades and improving low-order models based on the blade element momentum theory.

Originality/value

Assessment of the reliability of AoA and relative velocity estimation methods for VAWT’ blades at low-Reynolds numbers using URANS turbulence models in the context of dynamic stall and blade–vortex interactions.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Mostafa Esmaeili and Amir Hossein Rabiee

This study aims to numerically explore the heat transfer characteristics in turbulent two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) of three elastically mounted circular…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to numerically explore the heat transfer characteristics in turbulent two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs) of three elastically mounted circular cylinders.

Design/methodology/approach

The cylinders are at the vertices of an isosceles triangle with a base and height that are the same. The finite volume technique is used to calculate the Reynolds-averaged governing equations, whereas the structural dynamics equations are solved using the explicit integration method. Simulations are performed for three different configurations, constant mass ratio and natural frequency, as well as distinct reduced velocity values.

Findings

As a numerical challenge, the super upper branch observed in the experiment is well-captured by the current numerical simulations. According to the computation findings, the vortex-shedding around the cylinders increases flow mixing and turbulence, hence enhancing heat transfer. At most reduced velocities, the Nusselt number of downstream cylinders is greater than that of upstream cylinders due to the impact of wake-induced vibration, and the maximum heat transfer improvement of these cylinders is 21% (at Ur = 16), 23% (at Ur = 5) and 20% (at Ur = 15) in the first, second and third configurations, respectively.

Originality/value

The main novelty of this study is inspecting the thermal behavior and turbulent flow–induced vibration of three circular cylinders in the triangular arrangement.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2024

Tong-Tong Lin, Ming-Zhi Yang, Lei Zhang, Tian-Tian Wang, Yu Tao and Sha Zhong

The aerodynamic differences between the head car (HC) and tail car (TC) of a high-speed maglev train are significant, resulting in control difficulties and safety challenges in…

Abstract

Purpose

The aerodynamic differences between the head car (HC) and tail car (TC) of a high-speed maglev train are significant, resulting in control difficulties and safety challenges in operation. The arch structure has a significant effect on the improvement of the aerodynamic lift of the HC and TC of the maglev train. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a streamlined arch structure on the aerodynamic performance of a 600 km/h maglev train.

Design/methodology/approach

Three typical streamlined arch structures for maglev trains are selected, i.e. single-arch, double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains. The vortex structure, pressure of train surface, boundary layer, slipstream and aerodynamic forces of the maglev trains with different arch structures are compared by adopting improved delayed detached eddy simulation numerical calculation method. The effects of the arch structures on the aerodynamic performance of the maglev train are analyzed.

Findings

The dynamic topological structure of the wake flow shows that a change in arch structure can reduce the vortex size in the wake region; the vortex size with double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains is reduced by 15.9% and 23%, respectively, compared with a single-arch maglev train. The peak slipstream decreases with an increase in arch structures; double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains reduce it by 8.89% and 16.67%, respectively, compared with a single-arch maglev train. The aerodynamic force indicates that arch structures improve the lift imbalance between the HC and TC of a maglev train; double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains improve it by 22.4% and 36.8%, respectively, compared to a single-arch maglev train.

Originality/value

This study compares the effects of a streamlined arch structure on a maglev train and its surrounding flow field. The results of the study provide data support for the design and safe operation of high-speed maglev trains.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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