Flow Physics and Nonlinear Dynamics of Natural and Perturbed Turbulent Separation Bubbles

Abstract

The proposed effort will employ a multi-modal approach to study the flow physics andnonlinear dynamics of turbulent separation bubbles (TSBs), which occur when a turbulentboundary layer (TBL) separates from the wall and reattaches further downstream. We will focuson both natural (unperturbed) as well as perturbed TSBs produced by an adverse pressuregradient(APG), yet devoid of configuration-dependent curvature effects, with the particularobjective of gaining physical insights required for the future development of efficient, flowphysicsbased control strategies. Our specific objectives are to employ: (1) wind-tunnelexperiments to induce separation of a turbulent boundary layer (103 < Re? < 104) and subsequentreattachment on a flat plate model; (2) simulations (DNS for Re? < 500, wall-resolved LES for500 < Re? < 1500, and a new wall-modeled LES approach for Re? > 1500) to providedata/insights that complement the experiments; (3) dynamical systems modeling employingExtended Dynamic Mode Decomposition and Resolvent Analysis to explore the flow-physicsand nonlinear dynamics underlying the appearance and scaling of distinct time-scales observed;(4) explore various methods to perturb the TSB in a controlled manner to dissect the nonlineardynamics. Studying the TSB under the effect of controlled perturbations will elucidate themechanisms that generate and govern the observed breathing and shedding modes, reveal theirnonlinear coupling, and provide strategies for future effective control efforts. In the currentstudy, unsteady perturbations will be introduced by modulating the APG as well as oscillating afence upstream of the separation point. Steady perturbations that modify the wall-streak spacingwill also be employed to examine the effect of this feature on the dynamics of the TSB. Finally,sudden initiation and termination of the APG will be used to study the transient response of theTSB.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 28, 2017
Source ID
FA95501710084

Entities

People

  • Louis N Cattafesta

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Florida State University
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Allergy and Immunology.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.