Data-Driven Turbulence Modelling for Magnetohydrodynamic Flows in Annular Pipes

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

A. Montoya Santamaria (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)

T.S.B. Buchanan (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)

Francesco Fico (Loughborough University)

I. Langella (TU Delft - Flight Performance and Propulsion)

R.P. Dwight (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)

Nguyen Anh Khoa Doan (TU Delft - Aerodynamics)

Research Group
Aerodynamics
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10494-025-00668-1
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Aerodynamics
Issue number
2
Volume number
115
Pages (from-to)
567-602
Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Abstract

We present a data-driven approach to Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence closure modelling in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows. In these flows the magnetic field interacting with the conductive fluid induces unconventional turbulence states such as quasi two-dimensional (2D) turbulence, and turbulence suppression, which are poorly represented by standard Boussinesq models. Our data-driven approach uses time-averaged Large Eddy Simulation (LES) data of annular pipe flows, at different Hartmann numbers, to derive corrections for the - SST model. Correction fields are obtained by injecting time averaged LES fields into the MHD RANS equations, and examining the remaining residuals. The correction to the Reynolds-stress anisotropy is approximated with a modified Tensor Basis Neural Network (TBNN). We extend the generalised eddy hypothesis with a traceless antisymmetric tensor representation of the Lorentz force to obtain MHD flow features, thus keeping Galilean and frame invariance while including MHD effects in the turbulence model. The resulting data-driven models are shown to reduce errors in the mean flow, and to generalise to annular flow cases with different Hartmann numbers from those of the training cases.