A compressible wall-adapting similarity mixed model for large-eddy simulation of the impinging round jet

Abstract

Wall-jet interaction is studied with large-eddy simulation (LES) in which a mixed-similarity subgrid scale (SGS) closure is combined with the wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity (WALE) model for the eddy-viscosity term. The macrotemperature and macropressure are introduced to deduce a weakly compressible form of the mixed-similarity model, and the relevant formulation for the energy equation is deduced accordingly. LES prediction capabilities are assessed by comparing flow statistical properties against experiment of an unconfined impinging round jet at Reynolds numbers of 23 000 and 70 000. To quantify the benefit of the proposed WALE-similarity mixed model, the lower Reynolds number simulations are also performed using the standard WALE and Lagrangian dynamic Smagorinsky approaches. The unsteady compressible Navier–Stokes equations are integrated over 2.9 M, 3.5 M, and 5.5 M node Cartesian grids with an explicit fourth-order finite volume solver. Nonreflecting boundary conditions are enforced using a methodology accounting for the three-dimensional character of the turbulent flow at boundaries. A correct wall scaling is achieved from the combination of similarity and WALE approaches; for this wall-jet interaction, the SGS closure terms can be computed in the near-wall region without the necessity of resorting to additional specific treatments. The possible impact of turbulent energy backscatter in such flow configurations is also addressed. It is found that, for the present configuration, the correct reproduction of reverse energy transfer plays a key role in the estimation of near-wall statistics, especially when the viscous sublayer is not properly resolved.