Convergence/residuals with different turbulence models
 

Hello everyone,

I have an external aerodynamics case which I am simulating. However I am unsure which model to use. First, my mesh is solid, I have at least 95% of the cells being of perfect quality and all the regions have skewness angles lower than 85°.

Using an all y+ wall treatment, I had a look at the scalar scene to see that most of the surface is between 0 and 30, while the maximum that I have is below 200. Is that enough to say that the y+ assessment of the model is correct?

Secondly, the residuals that I have are relatively high (and I have other simulations with even higher ones) with quite a lot of oscillations as you can see below:

http://imageshack.us/a/img35/772/74101386.jpg

Is that acceptable? I am using a k-e model, explicit steady, segregated flow, but I am unsure if I am doing things right. If I need to provide more explanation please let me know.

Thanks for your help! :)

If you're using a Low Reynolds number wall model, you should probably keep your Y+ between 0.5 & 2.5. If you're using a High Reynolds number wall model, 30 to 200. The all Y+ model give you the most flexibility, but I'd stay away from values between 2.5 & 30. Info from CD-adapco.

For my external aero models, I create reports & monitors for vehicle Cd and 'wind tunnel' Inlet pressure. These are what I use to judge convergence. You might also look at the max velocity in the model - that also needs to settle down.

Thank you for your answer!

My Reynolds number is about 1.3E7 so a high one but I am using an all y+ treatment. Ironically most of my values are between 2.5 and 30. Using 5 layers for the BL could change the y+ value?

CD is also what I am using for convergence, but never heard of the inlet pressure, on what do you base this? Your personal experience or do you have documentation? Finally to assess this pressure, are you using a "maximum" report on the inlet and plotting the pressure (sorry for the dumb question)? If so then the pressure varies only between 40 and 120Pa.

Cheers :)

Hello,

For external aerodynamics, prefer using k-omega turbulence model. and you did not mention your Reynolds number. if the case if for supersonic or hypersonic, change the solver to coupled. else, continue with segregated.

and yea, as its an external aerodynamics problem, you should keep y+ ( al wall y+ treatment) . y+ maybe more than 30 as well for external aerodynamics. depends on your flow.

if your Reynolds number is high, change to coupled solver from segregated, density based from pressure based.!!

I hope this reply helped you .! :)

and dont worry with the residual plot. try checking the parameters which you are looking for.

example: if your are solving to determine the pressure drop, then wait until the net pressure becomes constant. residuals alone cannot decide your convergence.

Thank you for your answer!

I have specified the Reynolds number in my previous message (1.3E7). What would be the benefit to change from segregated flow to coupled flow (always thought for external vehicle aero it should be segregated). :)

Also you are talking about density and pressure based. I am using a constant density physic model, is that what are you talking about? Sorry for my ignorance.

Cheers for your help!

:)