Evaluation of URANS Solvers for Cylindrical Structures in Tidal Flow

Robert Stringer, Jun Zang

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

In tidal conditions Reynolds numbers (Re) around cylindrical structures can range from zero up to supercritical values, with vortex shedding causing significant vibration and undesirable forces throughout. Two realistic options for investigating these phenomena in an engineering environment include the Navier-Stokes solvers ANSYS® CFX-13.0 and OpenFOAM®. In this study both are considered at Reynolds numbers ranging from 40 to 106, representing a full range of tidal conditions. A 2D Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Naver-Stokes (URANS) approach is developed in an attempt to balance the speed and accuracy of the solutions. To eliminate mesh dependency, low-Re boundary layer meshing is employed along with Courant controlled time stepping.

Numerical results obtained from both solvers are presented for lift coefficient, drag coefficient and Strouhal number. Values from both solvers are compared to literary sources and examined for accuracy. Given that the turbulence for much of the Reynolds number region explored is known to be highly three dimensional, both codes offer a mix of good and poor results depending on parameters. Overall low and subcritical Re values are modelled with success by OpenFOAM, while force terms in upper critical and supercritical flows are better predicted by CFX.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2012
EventThe 22nd International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference (ISOPE 2012) - Rhodes, Greece
Duration: 17 Jun 201223 Jun 2012

Conference

ConferenceThe 22nd International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference (ISOPE 2012)
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityRhodes
Period17/06/1223/06/12

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