Application of Random Forest to construct a local operator for flow fields refinement in external aerodynamics problems

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Numerical modeling of turbulent flows requires finding the balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. For example, DNS and LES models allow to obtain more accurate results, comparing to RANS models, but are more computationally expensive. Because of this, modern applied simulations are mostly performed with RANS models. But even RANS models can be computationally expensive for complex geometries or series simulations due to the necessity of resolving the boundary layer. Some methods, such as wall functions and near-wall domain decomposition, allow to significantly improve the speed of RANS simulations. However, they inevitably lose precision due to using a simplified model in the near-wall domain. To obtain a model that is both accurate and computationally efficient, it is possible to construct a surrogate model based on previously made simulations using the precise model.

In this paper, an operator is constructed that allows reconstruction of the flow field obtained by an accurate model based on the flow field obtained by the simplified model. Spalart–Allmaras model with approximate nearwall domain decomposition and Spalart–Allmaras model resolving the near-wall region are taken as the simplified and the base models respectively. The operator is constructed using a local approach, i. e. to reconstruct a point in the flow field, only features (flow variables and their derivatives) at this point in the field are used. The operator is constructed using the Random Forest algorithm. The efficiency and accuracy of the obtained surrogate model are demonstrated on the supersonic flow over a compression corner with different values for angle $\alpha$ and Reynolds number. The investigation has been conducted into interpolation and extrapolation both by $Re$ and $\alpha$.

Keywords: approximate near-wall domain decomposition, wall functions, computational aerodynamics, random forest, machine learning, turbulence
Citation in English: Zimina S.V., Petrov M.N. Application of Random Forest to construct a local operator for flow fields refinement in external aerodynamics problems // Computer Research and Modeling, 2021, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 761-778
Citation in English: Zimina S.V., Petrov M.N. Application of Random Forest to construct a local operator for flow fields refinement in external aerodynamics problems // Computer Research and Modeling, 2021, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 761-778
DOI: 10.20537/2076-7633-2021-13-4-761-778

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International Interdisciplinary Conference "Mathematics. Computing. Education"