Large-eddy simulation of flow past a circular cylinder using OpenFOAM and Nektar++

Hongyi Jiang, Xiaoying Ju, Yucen Lu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

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Abstract

Steady incoming flow past a circular cylinder has been a classical problem in fluid mechanics owing to its extensive practical applications in e.g. offshore engineering. In this study, large-eddy simulations are performed for flow past a circular cylinder at the Reynolds number (Re) of 3900. Particular focuses are on the comparisons of different numerical methods and computational domain patterns. The case Re = 3900 is computed with both OpenFOAM and Nektar++, which are based on the conventional finite volume method and the high-order spectral/hp element method, respectively. It is found that the computational cost for the Nektar++ model is only less than 10% of that for the OpenFOAM model. In addition, both circular and C-shaped domains are tested for the OpenFOAM and Nektar++ models. It is found that a circular domain is required for the OpenFOAM model to minimise the footprint of mesh non-orthogonality on the simulated flow, while the Nektar++ model does not have strict requirements for the orthogonality of the mesh. The present findings regarding the computational cost and the domain/mesh patterns are expected to be applicable to the numerical modelling of bluff-body flows in general. Based on Nektar++ and the circular domain, additional simulations are performed at Re = 1000 and 7000. For the three Re values investigated, the Strouhal number, hydrodynamic forces and the streamwise and spanwise vorticity fields are examined and compared.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of ASME 2021 40th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationCFD and FSI
PublisherASME International
ISBN (Electronic)9780791885185
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event2021 40th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, OMAE 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 21 Jun 202130 Jun 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering - OMAE
Volume8

Conference

Conference2021 40th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, OMAE 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period21/06/2130/06/21

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