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Sliding Mesh Applications Using the LAVA Curvilinear Solver

AMS Seminar Series

Speakers: Ercan Dumlupinar, Luis S. Fernandes, NASA Ames Research Center

Presentation

Seminar Slide Deck (PDF-28.4MB)

Abstract

Dynamic overset meshing, commonly used for simulations involving rigid body motion, can be computationally demanding due to the frequent requirement of hole-cutting and updating connectivity between different parts of the grid system. These operations can significantly increase the computational cost of such simulations. This work investigates the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic behavior of the Source Diagnostic Test (SDT) fan, as well as the Contra-Rotating Open Rotor (CROR) system, with the goal to conduct these analyses efficiently and in a manner that allows for detailed parametric studies.

Both of the aforementioned test cases exhibit rotational mesh motion, which makes them highly compatible with the sliding mesh approach. This approach is commonly employed in the simulation of rotating machinery, given its ability to handle such motion effectively. Therefore, the sliding mesh approach was implemented in the Launch, Ascent, and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) curvilinear solver and validated using experimental data from both cases.

A comprehensive evaluation of two turbulence closure treatments using the LAVA structured overset curvilinear solver is carried out as part of the scope of this work: Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (URANS) and Hybrid RANS/LES. The sliding mesh approach offers a considerable improvement in computational efficiency by eliminating the additional numerical overhead associated with hole-cutting and connectivity requirements.

Biography

Photo of Ercan Dumlupinar
Dr. Ercan Dumlupinar joined NASA Ames in 2020, bringing extensive expertise in the fields of fluid dynamics and rotating machinery. Before joining NASA, he played a crucial role in leading the development of a groundbreaking shrouded wind turbine design and optimizing the efficiency of the rotor system. Additionally, he spearheaded the initial design process for the development of advanced compressor/expander-based energy storage systems. With a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Dr. Dumlupinar specialized in Fluid Dynamics, Fixed and Rotary Wing Aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Aeroelasticity. Moreover, he has made significant contributions to the creation of several US patents.


Photo of Luis S. Fernandes
Luis S. Fernandes is a research scientist/engineer for Science and Technology Corporation working in the Computational Aerosciences Branch of the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). Fernandes obtained his Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico in 2019, and joined the Launch, Ascent, and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) group in June 2020, after devoting the previous year to two separate internship positions in the Aerothermodynamics and Aerosciences branches at NASA Ames Research Center. Since joining the LAVA group, Fernandes has been working on applications using the structured curvilinear solver, ranging from noise predictions for turbofan engine applications using scale-resolving simulations, to wind tunnel model simulations for various projects within NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) project.