On the Accuracy of RANS Simulations of 2D Boundary Layers with OpenFOAM

Abstract

OpenFOAM is an attractive Computational Fluid Dynamics solver for evaluating new turbulence models due to the open-source nature and the suite of existing standard model implementations. Before interpreting results obtained with a new turbulence model, a baseline for performance of the OpenFOAM solver and existing models is required. In the current study, we assess the accuracy of simulation results obtained with standard models for the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations implemented in the OpenFOAM incompressible solver. Two planar (two-dimensional mean flow) benchmark cases generated by the AIAA turbulence Model Benchmarking Working Group are considered: the boundary layer on a zero-pressure-gradient flat plate and a bump-in-channel flow. OpenFOAM results are compared with the NASA CFD codes CFL3D and FUN3D. Sensitivity of simulation results to the grid refinement, linear pressure solvers, compressibility effects, and model implementation are analyzed. Testing is conducted using standard Spalart-Allmaras one-equation, Wilcox's 2006 version of the two-equation k-ω, and SST 1994 turbulence models. Simulations using wall-resolved (low Reynolds number) formulations are considered.

Verification and Validation of OpenFOAM for High-Lift Aircraft Flows

“…and unstructured (FUN3D) codes for the skin-friction and drag coefficient, which is in agreement with Gomez et al [16]. Both codes shown less sensitivity to the mesh than CFL3D and FUN3D which was also seen by Nikaido [14].…”

“…In Figs. 16 and 17 we see a number of planar cuts along the wing-span for the pressure and skin-friction coefficients (the location of these cuts are shown in Fig. 15(a)).…”

Numerical Estimation of Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient and Heat Flux for a Supersonic Rocket Nozzle

“…There is no difference in the predicted heat transfer coefficient on the convergent section; however, a minimal deviation is seen in the throat and divergent sections. This inconsistency may be due to not capturing the compressibility effects appropriately 26 .…”

Simulations of Incompressible Separated Turbulent Flows around Two-Dimensional Bodies with URANS Models in OpenFOAM

“…9 Previously, it was demonstrated that results obtained with these two models implemented in OpenFOAM are of comparable accuracy with those obtained with the high-fidelity NASA CFL3D and FUN3D codes 8 in a few benchmark turbulent flows including a flow around the NACA 4412 airfoil. 10,11 Only the results of steady-state flow simulations were discussed in Refs. 10 and 11.…”