Large-eddy simulation with parabolized stability equations for turbulent transition using OpenFOAM

Abstract

Laminar-to-turbulent transition is simulated with large-eddy simulation (LES) coupled with parabolized stability equations (PSE). A canonical transition on a flat plate is computed. The PSE-coupled approach accurately reproduces the subharmonic resonance and subsequent turbulent boundary layer using the solver OpenFOAM. Various LES inlet locations are simulated to reduce the computational domain. Nonlinear PSE provides appropriate instabilities at various inlet locations. The computational cost and domain are reduced by 30% with the LES inlet close to the final stage of the nonlinear transition region, compared to the baseline, upstream LES inlet. Current LES results are compared with relevant data in the literature. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd