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The work submits new release of the FlowVision software designed for automation of engineering calculations in computational fluid dynamics: FlowVision 3.09.05. The FlowVision software is used for solving different industrial problems. Its popularity is based on the capability to solve complex non-tradition problems involving different physical processes. The paradigm of complete automation of labor-intensive and time-taking processes like grid generation makes FlowVision attractive for many engineers. FlowVision is completely developer-independent software. It includes an advanced graphical interface, the system for specifying a computational project as well as the system for flow visualization on planes, on curvilinear surfaces and in volume by means of different methods: plots, color contours, iso-lines, iso-surfaces, vector fields. Besides that, FlowVision provides tools for calculation of integral characteristics on surfaces and in volumetric regions.

The software is based on the finite-volume approach to approximation of the partial differential equations describing fluid motion and accompanying physical processes. It provides explicit and implicit methods for time integration of these equations. The software includes automated generator of unstructured grid with capability of its local dynamic adaptation. The solver involves two-level parallelism which allows calculations on computers with distributed and shared memory (coexisting in the same hardware). FlowVision incorporates a wide spectrum of physical models: different turbulence models, models for mass transfer accounting for chemical reactions and radioactive decay, several combustion models, a dispersed phase model, an electro-hydrodynamic model, an original VOF model for tracking moving interfaces. It should be noted that turbulence can be simulated within URANS, LES, and ILES approaches. FlowVision simulates fluid motion with velocities corresponding to all possible flow regimes: from incompressible to hypersonic. This is achieved by using an original all-speed velocity-pressure split algorithm for integration of the Navier-Stokes equations.

FlowVision enables solving multi-physic problems with use of different modeling tools. For instance, one can simulate multi-phase flows with use of the VOF method, flows past bodies moving across a stationary grid (within Euler approach), flows in rotary machines with use of the technology of sliding grid. Besides that, the software solves fluid-structure interaction problems using the technology of two-way coupling of FlowVision with finite-element codes. Two examples of solving challenging problems in the FlowVision software are demonstrated in the given article. The first one is splashdown of a spacecraft after deceleration by means of jet engines. This problem is characterized by presence of moving bodies and contact surface between the air and the water in the computational domain. The supersonic jets interact with the air-water interphase. The second problem is simulation of the work of a human heart with artificial and natural valves designed on the basis of tomographic investigations with use of a finite-element model of the heart. This problem is characterized by two-way coupling between the “liquid” computational domain and the finite-element model of the hart muscles.

Simulation of turbulent compressible gas flows using turbulence models $k-\varepsilon$ standard (KES), $k-\varepsilon$ FlowVision (KEFV) and SST $k-\omega$ is discussed in the given article. A new version of turbulence model KEFV is presented. The results of its testing are shown. Numerical investigation of the discharge of an over-expanded jet from a conic nozzle into unlimited space is performed. The results are compared against experimental data. The dependence of the results on computational mesh is demonstrated. The dependence of the results on turbulence specified at the nozzle inlet is demonstrated. The conclusion is drawn about necessity to allow for compressibility in two-parametric turbulence models. The simple method proposed by Wilcox in 1994 suits well for this purpose. As a result, the range of applicability of the three aforementioned two-parametric turbulence models is essentially extended. Particular values of the constants responsible for the account of compressibility in the Wilcox approach are proposed. It is recommended to specify these values in simulations of compressible flows with use of models KES, KEFV, and SST.

In addition, the question how to obtain correct characteristics of supersonic turbulent flows using two-parametric turbulence models is considered. The calculations on different grids have shown that specifying a laminar flow at the inlet to the nozzle and wall functions at its surfaces, one obtains the laminar core of the flow up to the fifth Mach disk. In order to obtain correct flow characteristics, it is necessary either to specify two parameters characterizing turbulence of the inflowing gas, or to set a “starting” turbulence in a limited volume enveloping the region of presumable laminar-turbulent transition next to the exit from the nozzle. The latter possibility is implemented in model KEFV.

Verification results of supersonic turbulent jets computational characteristics are presented. Numerical simulation of axisymmetric nozzle operating is realized using FlowVision CFD. Open test cases for CFD are used. The test cases include Seiner tests with exit Mach number of 2.0 both fully-expanded and under-expanded $(P/P_0 = 1.47)$. Fully-expanded nozzle investigated with wide range of flow temperature (300…3000 K). The considered studies include simulation downstream from the nozzle exit diameter. Next numerical investigation is presented at an exit Mach number of 2.02 and a free-stream Mach number of 2.2. Geometric model of convergent- divergent nozzle rebuilt from original Putnam experiment. This study is set with nozzle pressure ratio of 8.12 and total temperature of 317 K.

The paper provides a comparison of obtained FlowVision results with experimental data and another current CFD studies. A comparison of the calculated characteristics and experimental data indicates a good agreement. The best coincidence with Seiner's experimental velocity distribution (about 7 % at far field for the first case) obtained using two-equation $k–\varepsilon$ standard turbulence model with Wilcox compressibility correction. Predicted Mach number distribution at $Y/D = 1$ for Putnam nozzle presents accuracy of 3 %.

General guidelines for simulation of supersonic turbulent jets in the FlowVision software are formulated in the given paper. Grid convergence determined the optimal cell rate. In order to calculate the design regime, it is recommended to build a grid, containing not less than 40 cells from the axis of symmetry to the nozzle wall. In order to calculate an off-design regime, it is necessary to resolve the shock waves. For this purpose, not less than 80 cells is required in the radial direction. Investigation of the influence of turbulence model on the flow characteristics has shown that the version of the SST $k–\omega$ turbulence model implemented in the FlowVision software essentially underpredicts the axial velocity. The standard $k–\varepsilon$ model without compressibility correction also underpredicts the axial velocity. These calculations agree well with calculations in other CFD codes using the standard $k–\varepsilon$ model. The in-home $k–\varepsilon$ turbulence model KEFV with compressibility correction a little bit overpredicts the axial velocity. Since, the best results are obtained using the standard $k–\varepsilon$ model combined with the Wilcox compressibility correction, this model is recommended for the problems discussed.

The developed methodology can be regarded as a basis for numerical investigations of more complex nozzle flows.

When a supersonic air flow interacts with a transverse secondary jet injected into this flow through an orifice on a flat wall, a special flow structure is formed. This flow takes place during fuel injection into combustion chambers of supersonic aircraft engines; therefore, in recent years, various approaches to intensifying gas mixing in this type of flow have been proposed and studied in several countries. The approach proposed in this work implies using spark discharges for pulsed heating of the gas and generating the instabilities in the shear layer at the boundary of the secondary jet. Using simulation in the software package FlowVision 3.13, the characteristics of this flow were obtained in the absence and presence of pulsed-periodic local heat release on the wall on the windward side of the injector opening. A comparison was made of local characteristics at different periodicities of pulsed heating (corresponding to the values of the Strouhal number 0.25 and 0.31). It is shown that pulsed heating can stimulate the formation of perturbations in the shear layer at the jet boundary. For the case of the absence of heating and for two modes of pulsed heating, the values of an integral criterion for mixing efficiency were calculated. It is shown that pulsed heating can lead both to a decrease in the average mixing efficiency and to its increase (up to 9% in the considered heating mode). The calculation method used (unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier – Stokes equations with a modified $k-\varepsilon$ turbulence model) was validated by considering a typical case of the secondary transverse jet interaction with a supersonic flow, which was studied by several independent research groups and well documented in the literature. The grid convergence was shown for the simulation of this typical case in FlowVision. A quantitative comparison was made of the results obtained from FlowVision calculations with experimental data and calculations in other programs. The results of this study can be useful for specialists dealing with the problems of gas mixing and combustion in a supersonic flow, as well as the development of engines for supersonic aviation.

The paper presents the results of numerical simulation of the effect of a long spark discharge on the mixing dynamics of an injected gas jet with supersonic air flow. The calculations were performed using the CFD software package FlowVision. The fuel was supplied using an injector located on the channel wall, and the discharge was organized near the wall downstream of the injector. Simulation of electrical spark discharge was performed using a volumetric heat source. In order to describe the principal specifications of a plasma actuator to accelerate mixing in a supersonic flow (Mach number M = 2), the research involved varying the energy impact to the discharge in the range of 100–500 mJ per pulse, determining the influence of the shape and location of the discharge. A study of the fuel injection modes in a supersonic air flow has been carried out and an optimal gas jet outflow regime has been found to study the effect of a spark discharge. A method has been developed for analyzing the disturbance pattern of the fuel-oxidant interface caused by the operation of a pulsed spark discharge. A program was prepared in the LabView software environment for obtaining quantitative characteristics for further comparison with the results obtained in the experiment.

The simulation results allow us to conclude that the long spark discharge located along the flow downstream of the injector provides the maximum increase in the interface between the jet of fuel and the main flow. A typical repetition frequency of discharge pulses in a pulse-periodic mode should be more than 6 kHz with a discharge length of ~10 mm to ensure a continuous effect on the mixing at a flow velocity of 500 m/s.