Reflections on Spalart-Allmarus Turbulence Model, 2024

The Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model, a one-equation turbulence model, was a response to the inadequacies observed in zero-equation models, particularly their lack of predictive accuracy in complex flow scenarios such as wakes, shear layers, and shock wave boundary layer interactions. The creation of the Spalart-Allmaras model was influenced by multiple prior works, including the Baldwin Barth …

AIAA Journal – Fully Parabolized Hypersonic Sonic Boom Prediction with Real Gas and Viscous Effects

https://doi.org/10.2514/1.J063425 Abstract: We present a methodology to predict the aerodynamic near-field and sonic boom signature from slender bodies and waveriders using a fully parabolized approach. We solve the parabolized Navier–Stokes equations, which are integrated via spatial marching in the streamwise direction. We find that unique physics must be accounted for in the hypersonic regime relative …

Returning to Ludwig Prandtl’s One-Equation Model

In my turbulence class this semester, I recently reviewed Prandtl’s one-equation model, which was developed over 20 years since the time of boundary theory in the early 1900s. The major paper by Ludwig Prandtl was published in the early 1940s. He presented the first one-equation turbulence model for the closure of the boundary layer equations, …

Additional Thoughts on Half-Equation Model of Johnson and King

The Johnson King turbulence model represented a significant advancement in the understanding and modeling of turbulent flows. Introduced amidst the exploration of first and second equation models, the Johnson King model distinguished itself through the innovative concept of a half-equation model, emphasizing the critical role of memory in turbulence phenomena. The early stages of turbulence …

An Improbable Life by D.C. Wilcox, and the $k-\omega$ Model

I just finished reading the autobiography of D. C. Wilcox. He wrote a number of books that were published through his own company. One of the most popular is on fluid dynamics. A less known book is on turbulence modeling. He was famous for a particular two-equation turbulence model in the form of $k-\omega$. It …

AIAA SciTech 2024 – Parametric Study of the Hypersonic Near-Field and Sonic Boom from Waveriders using a Fully-Parabolized Approach

Citation: King, C. B., Shepard, C. T., and Miller, S. A. E., “Parametric Study of the Hypersonic Near-Field and Sonic Boom from Waveriders using a Fully-Parabolized Approach,” AIAA SciTech, Orlando, FL, Jan. 8-12, AIAA 2024-2106, 2024. DOI: 10.2514/6.2024-2106 Abstract: A parametric study is performed to understand the relationship between volume displace- ment, lift, near-field signature, …

Analytical Closed-Form Solution of the Navier-Stokes Equations for the Aerodynamic Near-field and Sonic Boom from Axisymmetric Bodies

I completed my Acoustical Society work and returned to the United States. Abstract: An analytical closed-form solution is presented for the aerodynamic near-field and ground signature from an axisymmetric body with a low thickness ratio. The Navier-Stokes equations are formulated as a boundary value problem that incorporates the incoming ambient flow-field and the aerodynamic properties …

Toward Exascale Computation for Turbomachinery Flows

Citation: Yuhang Fu, Weiqi Shen, Jiahuan Cui, Yao Zheng, Guangwen Yang, Zhao Liu, Jifa Zhang, Tingwei Ji, Fangfang Xie, Xiaojing Lv, Hanyue Liu, Xu Liu, Xiyang Liu, Xiaoyu Song, Guocheng Tao, Yan Yan, Paul Tucker, Steven Miller, Shirui Luo, Seid Koric, and Weimin Zheng, “Toward Exascale Computation for Turbomachinery Flows,” Gordon Bell, High Performance Computing, …

National Air and Space Museum’s Journey Toward 2025

Appearing next month in the NASA Alumni Newsletter. Walking on the Washington, D.C. Mall is an inspiring experience for all citizens. One might be inspired by the many memories and great institutions of our American people. Nestled as one of the most visited museums of the world is the National Air and Space Museum, just …