Turbulence modulation by variable density and viscosity

We investigate the effectiveness of the semi-local Reynolds number Re τ to parametrize wall-bounded flows with strong density, ρ, and viscosity, µ, gradients. Several cases are considered, namely, volumetrically heated low-Mach-number turbulent channel flows, a simultaneously heated and cooled flow with CO2 at supercritical pressure, and heated and...

Semi-local scaling and turbulence modulation in variable property turbulent channel flows

We theoretically and numerically investigate the effect of temperature dependent density and viscosity on turbulence in channel flows. First, a mathematical framework is developed to support the validity of the semi-local scaling as proposed based on heuristic arguments by Huang, Coleman, and Bradshaw [“Compressible turbulent channel flows: DNS...

Effect of viscosity and density gradients on turbulent channel flows

We perform Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of a turbulent channel flow with temperature dependent density and viscosity. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved using their low Mach number formulation. In the simulations performed, the fluid is internally heated and the temperature at the walls is fixed. The friction Reynolds number based on...

Numerical simulation of turbulent heat transfer close to the critical point

In this paper we discuss the effect of sharp property variations on the turbulent heat transfer in fluids close the critical point. The governing equations for this flow regime are discussed, a short description of the numerical tools that have been developed to study these flows is given. Finally, some results for supercritical heat transfer in...