Detached-Eddy Simulation of High Reynolds Number Beveled-Trailing-Edge Flows and Wakes

Abstract

Flow over three different trailing-edge geometries is studied using incompressible detached-eddy simulation and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes CFD methods. Of interest is the ability of DES, coupled with localized overset–grid refinement, to resolve the proper physics of separated flows from trailing edges—trailing-edge turbulence and vortex shedding, in particular. The DES model is shown to provide a good qualitative description of the trailing-edge flow. However, the modeled separations are overly energetic due to premature separation related to artificially low turbulence levels from upstream. The transition from RANS to DES is isolated as an issue. The simulated physics of the wake are shown to be in agreement with other LES studies: the model produces the “rib/roller” structures representing the first instability modes, horseshoe vortices are observed, and in regions of high resolution, small scales are formed, as expected. The turbulence statistics are qualitatively similar to benchmark data near the trailing edge and in the near wake, however, quantitative comparisons of urms show an over prediction in magnitude of 50–100%. Despite this, the results are promising, and future modeling efforts have been motivated and identified.