1.2 - Behavior of Large and Small Eddies
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Introduction to Eddies in Turbulent Flow
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Today, we're discussing how eddies operate in turbulent flow, specifically how we differentiate between large and small eddies. Who can tell me what turbulence is?
Turbulence is when there’s chaotic, irregular flow in fluids, right?
Exactly! And within this turbulent flow, we have both large and small eddies. Large eddies are anisotropic. What do you think that means?
I think it means they don’t have the same properties in all directions?
Correct! Large eddies behave differently based on geometry and external forces. Conversely, small eddies tend to be isotropic. Those are simpler. Can someone elaborate?
Small eddies are nearly isotropic, and they follow the Kolmogorov hypothesis.
Great point! The Kolmogorov hypothesis helps us understand that smaller eddies have a universal behavior. Let’s dive deeper into how we model these behaviors!
Large Eddy Simulation (LES)
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We'll focus on Large Eddy Simulation, or LES, which helps us analyze these eddies. Can anyone remind me what LES does?
LES focuses on simulating the larger eddies and uses a turbulence model for the smaller ones!
Exactly! In LES, we capture the large eddies through time-dependent simulations while modeling the small eddies. What do we need to do this effectively?
We need to set a grid size that can capture the largest eddies.
Correct! We also have specific terms like grid scale (GS) and subgrid scale (SGS). Who can explain what these mean?
Grid scale refers to the scales we directly solve for, which are large eddies, while subgrid scale includes those smaller eddies we approximate.
Exactly! The filtering operation helps us achieve this separation. Now, let's discuss the types of filters we can use in this process.
Understanding Filtering Functions
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Let’s explore filtering functions in LES. What’s a key purpose of these filters?
The filters help us separate large eddies from small ones so we can focus on the behaviors of large eddies!
Correct! For example, we might use a box filter or a Gaussian filter. Can anyone tell me how the grid's filter width relates to this?
The filter width is often close to the size of the mesh that we are using.
Exactly! This is crucial for ensuring accuracy in our simulations. Let’s summarize what we’ve discussed so far about large and small eddies.
Large eddies depend on geometry, while small eddies are isotropic and behave universally.
Well done! Let's take this understanding to the next level as we discuss the governing equations of LES next!
Governing Equations of LES
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Now that we understand filtering and eddy behaviors, let’s talk about the governing equations of LES. Who can describe what we mean by the filtered momentum equation?
The filtered momentum equation lets us focus on the larger eddies using grid scale variables, right?
Correct! And how do small eddies factor into this?
The influence of subgrid scale eddies is represented through SGS stress, like tau ij.
Exactly! The distinction between Reynolds shear stress and SGS is essential in understanding turbulence modeling. Let’s wrap this session with the core concepts of filtering and governing equations.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we discuss the differences between large and small eddies in turbulent flows. We establish that large eddies are anisotropic and depend on geometry and external forces, while small eddies are isotropic and exhibit a universal behavior. Through Large Eddy Simulation (LES), we can capture the dynamics of large eddies while approximating the effects of smaller eddies.
Detailed
Behavior of Large and Small Eddies
This section delves into the characteristics and behaviors of large and small eddies in turbulent flow fields, emphasizing Large Eddy Simulation (LES) as a technique for studying these phenomena. Large eddies are significant in extracting energy from the mean flow, and their behaviors are influenced by various external factors, such as geometry and body forces. In contrast, small eddies are largely isotropic and conform to the Kolmogorov hypothesis, indicating that they exhibit universal behavior.
The dynamics of these eddies are modeled through LES, where significant computations focus on large eddies, while small eddies are approximated via turbulence modeling. The section explains that the filtered Navier-Stokes equations govern the dynamics of the large eddies, and filters are used to separate these scales effectively. The concept of grid scales (GS) and subgrid scales (SGS) is introduced, where grid scales represent large eddies, and subgrid scales account for the smaller eddies not resolved on the grid.
Furthermore, different filtering functions, such as box and Gaussian filters, are briefly described—showcasing their importance in 3D computations. Overall, this section concludes with a comprehensive view of how larger eddies interact with the flow field and the implications for accurately modeling turbulent behaviors.
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Introduction to Large Eddy Simulation (LES)
Chapter 1 of 7
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Chapter Content
Another such technique is called Large Eddy simulation. See in the DNS one important thing to note was that we had the best accuracy but lot of computational time is required LES is sort of a tradeoff between the Reynolds average in Reynolds average we do many approximations so the results are not that accurate compare to DNS, but LES is something which is a tradeoff between DNS and Reynolds average Navier-Stokes equation.
Detailed Explanation
Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is a computational technique used to simulate turbulent flows. It balances accuracy and computational cost. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) provides the highest accuracy but requires extensive computation time. LES approximates smaller scales of turbulence, focusing on larger eddies, which reduces computation time while still retaining reasonable accuracy. This makes it a practical choice for complex simulations.
Examples & Analogies
Think of LES like watching a live sports event on TV. You can see the big plays and highlights clearly (the large eddies), while the minor actions that happen during the game (the small eddies) aren't captured in detail. You’re getting a good sense of the game without needing to watch every single moment closely.
Differences Between Large and Small Eddies
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So there is a big difference in the behaviors of large and small eddies in a turbulent flow field. Large eddies are more anisotropic and their behavior is dictated by the geometry of the problem domain, while small eddies are nearly isotropic and have a universal behavior as demonstrated by Kolmogorov.
Detailed Explanation
Large eddies (more than a few lengths of the flow) react differently based on the shape of the environment they are in (anisotropic). Small eddies, on the other hand, behave more consistently regardless of their environment (isotropic). Kolmogorov’s theories state that small eddies have predictable patterns and behaviors, which simplifies their modeling.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine large waves crashing on a beach (large eddies) differing based on the shore's shape, compared to smaller ripples in a pond (small eddies) that behave similarly no matter where they are. The waves react to the boundaries, while the ripples simply spread out more uniformly.
Energy Transfer in Eddies
Chapter 3 of 7
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Chapter Content
The important thing to remember is that the large eddies extract energy from the mean flow… whereas small eddies take energy from a little bit larger eddies, which takes more energy from the larger eddies than them.
Detailed Explanation
In turbulent flows, energy is transferred among different scales of motion. Large eddies absorb energy from the overall flow, while smaller eddies derive energy from the larger ones. This creates a cascade effect where the energy flows from large to small scales, with larger eddies playing a critical role in energizing the smaller eddies.
Examples & Analogies
Think of large eddies like a big snowball rolling down a hill, gathering more snow (energy) as it gets bigger. Then, this snowball breaks off smaller pieces which roll into even smaller balls, each one collecting even less snow than the larger one, but still gaining energy from the larger snowballs.
Challenges in Turbulence Modeling
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This is actually a major hurdle in the path of research just trying to develop a universal turbulence model, which is the hurdle—the variation of eddies from large scale to small scale.
Detailed Explanation
Creating a universal turbulence model is complicated because the behavior of large eddies is influenced by many factors, while small eddies behave more consistently. The challenge is in accurately modeling the diverse interactions and energy transfers between eddies of different sizes.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine trying to build a single model of a car that works perfectly under every condition—some cars work well in the city (large eddies), others perform better off-road (small eddies). Each situation influences the performance differently, and finding the right balance in a universal design is complex.
Filtering Eddies in LES
Chapter 5 of 7
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In LES, the larger eddies are computed with a time-dependent simulation where the influence of the small eddies are incorporated through a turbulence model.
Detailed Explanation
In LES, simulations focus on capturing large eddies directly while accounting for the effects of smaller eddies indirectly through a turbulence model. This is achieved using spatial filtering, allowing simulations to represent significant flow features without the computational burden of smaller scales.
Examples & Analogies
Consider using a filter to brew coffee. The coffee grounds (small eddies) are captured by the filter, giving you liquid coffee (large eddies) full of rich flavors without the grittiness. The desired outcome is achieved while simplifying the process and maintaining the essence.
Grid and Filter Function in LES
Chapter 6 of 7
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Chapter Content
The filtering operation that we have talked about is defined by a filter function g of x, x dash, delta as it is a very complex but there is a filtering operation that you must know that in LES we use a filtering operation to cut off the smaller eddies and solve in reality for the larger eddies.
Detailed Explanation
In LES, a filter function is applied to distinguish between the scales of motion. Larger eddies are solved directly, while smaller eddies are handled mathematically. The width of the filter is determined based on the grid size used in simulations, ensuring that the larger eddies are accurately captured.
Examples & Analogies
It's like having a strainer in your kitchen. When rinsing vegetables, the strainer allows water to flow through while keeping the veggies (larger eddies) intact. The water represents smaller eddies that are filtered out consistently through the strainer (the filter function).
Governing Equations of LES
Chapter 7 of 7
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Chapter Content
The filtered momentum equation using the grid scale variables can be written so... the influence of subgrid scale eddies introduced through SGS stress.
Detailed Explanation
The governing equations in LES take into account both the larger eddies being solved directly and the smaller scales which are modeled using the concept of subgrid scale (SGS) stresses. This formulation ensures that the effects of the small scales are recognized in the overall flow behavior without needing to simulate every detail.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this as editing a video. You focus on the main story and scenes (the larger eddies), while acknowledging cuts, background noise, or transitions (the small eddies) that impact the final storyline without having to show every single detail in real-time.
Key Concepts
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Large Eddies: Anisotropic, influenced by geometry and external forces.
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Small Eddies: Nearly isotropic, exhibit universal behavior per Kolmogorov hypothesis.
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LES: A method to simulate large eddy behaviors while approximating small eddies.
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Filtering: Essential for separating scales in turbulence modeling.
Examples & Applications
An example of large eddies can be found in the swirling patterns of smoke rising from a fire.
Small scale turbulence can be observed in the ripples on the surface of a pool of water after a stone is thrown in.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Large are anisotropic, small do not lie—Universal motion, watch them fly!
Stories
Imagine a large river filled with swirling, powerful currents (large eddies) and tiny fish darting around in a frantic dance (small eddies), each moving in a distinct rhythm.
Memory Tools
Remember 'LES' - Look for Eddies, Simulate large ones.
Acronyms
L.E.S
Large Eddies Simulated.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Large Eddy Simulation (LES)
A computational technique to simulate turbulent flows, focusing on the dynamics of large eddies while approximating the effects of smaller ones.
- Kolmogorov Hypothesis
A theory suggesting that small eddies in turbulence exhibit universal behavior, independent of initial conditions.
- Grid Scale (GS)
The scales that are directly solved for on the numerical grid, typically representing larger eddies.
- Subgrid Scale (SGS)
Smaller scales of motion that are not resolved by the numerical grid and are modeled through turbulence models.
- Filtering Function
Mathematical functions used in LES to separate large eddies from small ones by applying spatial averaging.
Reference links
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