Development of robust wall modelling for practical aerodynamic high fidelity prediction (Ref: AACME-24-031)

Eddy-resolving methods have gained enormous interest in turbulent flow simulations recently as they rely much less on problem-dependent Reynolds-averaged based closure models (also known as RANS). Without any stringent requirements in fully resolving the wall turbulence, WMLES (Wall-Modelled Large-Eddy Simulations) has shown great promise.

However, unphysical separation bubbles (often laminar) can often occur in applying WMLES, especially near the leading edge where the flow experiences a certain amount of adverse pressure gradient. This poses a potential significant drawback to the application of WMLES to practical aerodynamic predictions where Reynolds numbers are high and strong adverse pressure gradients are almost unavoidable.

The proposed project investigates how efficient methods of introducing the onset of turbulence via external forcing can mitigate the problem and can be practically useable. More fundamentally, the project will look into a “relaxation principle” in the log region of the turbulent boundary layer that could naturally allow turbulence onset to take place without any external forcing.

The project will utilise national and regional high performance parallel computing resources to conduct high fidelity numerical simulations. A hierarchy of test cases of practical meaningfulness will be considered, including the publicly available Airbus XRF1 configuration.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Supervisors

• Primary supervisor: Hao Xia

Entry requirements

Applicants should have or expect to achieve a 2:1 in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or Physics.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select *the school of AACME /AAE*. Please quote the advertised reference number: * AACME-24-031* in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

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