Dissecting Complex Flows via Fusion of Volumetric Particle Tracking and Data Assimilation
Abstract
Complex flows are ubiquitous in applications of interest to the Navy, such as turbulent boundary layers, wakes, unsteady aerodynamics, cavity oscillations, and aeroacoustics. While significant progress has been made in our quest to understand and, in some cases, control these flows using both advanced experiments and high-fidelity simulations, these largely remain separate tasks. The objective of the proposed research program is to fuse experimental data with numerical simulations to achieve super-resolution (i.e., spatio-temporal) of the above complex flows and then dissect their dynamics.By leveraging a recent breakthrough in volumetric particle tracking with dense seeding called #Shake the Box#, the PI conceived a 4-pulse, 4-camera volumetric PTV system commensurate in cost andcomplexity to a tomo-PIV setup but more powerful and computationally simpler. This instrument provides accurate measurements of particle velocity and acceleration in a Lagrangian framework and enables a transformative data fusion approach to study complex flows. The proposed research leverages the inherent Lagrangian nature of this system and incorporates data assimilation approaches to produce super-resolution #fused# data at high spatial and temporal resolutions with quantifiable uncertainty. Specifically, we will employ a mesh-free approach using scale-free radial basis functions and the estimated particle locations, velocities, and accelerations combined with the governing equations, expressed in a dynamic Lagrangian framework, and a nonlinear Kalman filter.The expected outcomes of this research are game changing. The methodology brings CFD-like resolution to experimental data so that any quantity of interest can be evaluated with high accuracy using uncertain experimental data. The method will enable accurate identification of Lagrangian Coherent Structures, critical for transport processes, and Eulerian modal analysis. The tool can be used to produce new insightsinto drag mechanisms in turbulent boundary layers (TBL), understanding and controlling separated flows, identifying noise generation mechanisms in aeroacoustics, controlling wakes and cavity oscillations, and unsteady flows associated with active flow control.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312293
Entities
People
- Louis N Cattafesta
Organizations
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy