Large Eddy Simulation Of Buoyant Plumes

J.A.G. Worthy, Cranfield University, 2003

Abstract

A 3d parallel CFD code is written to investigate the characteristics of and differences
between Large Eddy Simulation (LES) models in the context of simulating a thermal
buoyant plume. An efficient multigrid scheme is incorporated to solve the Poisson
equation, resulting from the fractional step, projection method used to solve the Low
Mach Number (LMN) Navier-Stokes equations.

A wide range of LES models are implemented, including a variety of eddy models,
structure models, mixed models and dynamic models, for both the momentum stresses
and the temperature fluxes. Generalised gradient flux models are adapted from their
RANS counterparts, and also tested.

A number of characteristics are observed in the LES models relating to the thermal
plume simulation in particular and turbulence in general. Effects on transition,
dissipation, backscatter, equation balances, intermittency and energy spectra are all
considered, as are the impact of the governing equations, the discretisation scheme,
and the effect of grid coarsening. Also characteristics to particular models are
considered, including the subgrid kinetic energy for the one-equation models, and
constant histories for dynamic models.

The argument that choice of LES model is unimportant is shown to be incorrect as a
general statement, and a recommendation for when the models are best used is given.

PDF Document available from Cranfield University