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Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis in Support of the NASA/Virginia Tech Benchmark Experiments

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dc.contributor.authorBeardsley, Colton Tacken
dc.contributor.committeechairRoy, Christopher J.en
dc.contributor.committeememberLowe, K. Todden
dc.contributor.committeememberDevenport, William J.en
dc.contributor.departmentAerospace and Ocean Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2020-06-24T08:00:58Zen
dc.date.available2020-06-24T08:00:58Zen
dc.date.issued2020-06-23en
dc.description.abstractComputational fluid dynamics methods have seen an increasing role in aerodynamic analysis since their first implementation. However, there are several major limitations is these methods of analysis, especially in the area of modeling separated flow. There exists a large demand for high-fidelity experimental data for turbulence modeling validation. Virginia Tech has joined NASA in a cooperative project to design and perform an experiment in the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel with the purpose of providing a benchmark set of data for the turbulence modeling community for the flow over a three-dimensional bump. This process requires thorough risk mitigation and analysis of potential flow sensitivities. The current study investigates several aspects of the experimental design through the use of several computational fluid dynamics codes. An emphasis is given to boundary condition matching and uncertainty quantification, as well as sensitivities of the flow features to Reynolds number and inflow conditions. Solutions are computed for two different RANS turbulence models, using two different finite-volume CFD codes. Boundary layer inflow parameters are studied as well as pressure and skin friction distribution on the bump surface. The shape and extent of separation are compared for the various solutions. Pressure distributions are compared to available experimental data for two different Reynolds numbers.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods have seen an increasing role in engineering analysis since their first implementation. However, there are several major limitations is these methods of analysis, especially in the area of modeling of several common aerodynamic phenomena such as flow separation. This motivates the need for high fidelity experimental data to be used for validating computational models. This study is meant to support the design of an experiment being cooperatively developed by NASA and Virginia Tech to provide validation data for turbulence modeling. Computational tools can be used in the experimental design process to mitigate potential experimental risks, investigate flow sensitivities, and inform decisions about instrumentation. Here, we will use CFD solutions to identify risks associated with the current experimental design and investigate their sensitivity to incoming flow conditions and Reynolds number. Numerical error estimation and uncertainty quantification is performed. A method for matching experimental inflow conditions is proposed, validated, and implemented. CFD data is also compared to experimental data. Comparisons are also made between different models and solvers.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:26773en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/99091en
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectAerodynamicsen
dc.subjectTurbulence Modelingen
dc.subjectComputational fluid dynamicsen
dc.subjectValidation Experimentsen
dc.titleComputational Fluid Dynamics Analysis in Support of the NASA/Virginia Tech Benchmark Experimentsen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineAerospace Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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