# Baldwin-Lomax model

(Difference between revisions)
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## Introduction

The Baldwin-Lomax model is a two-layer algebraic 0-equation model which gives the eddy-viscosity, $\mu_t$, as a function of the local boundary layer velocity profile. The model is suitable for high-speed flows with thin attached boundary-layers, typically present in aerospace and turbomachinery applications. It is commonly used in quick design iterations where robustness is more important than capturing all details of the flow physics. The Baldwin-Lomax model is not suitable for cases with large separated regions and significant curvature/rotation effects (see below).

## Equations

 $\mu_t = \begin{cases} {\mu_t}_{inner} & \mbox{if } y \le y_{crossover} \\ {\mu_t}_{outer} & \mbox{if} y > y_{crossover} \end{cases}$ (1)

Where $y_{crossover}$ is the smallest distance from the surface where ${\mu_t}_{inner}$ is equal to ${\mu_t}_{outer}$:

 $y_{crossover} = MIN(y) \ : \ {\mu_t}_{inner} = {\mu_t}_{outer}$ (2)

The inner region is given by the Prandtl - Van Driest formula:

 ${\mu_t}_{inner} = \rho l^2 \left| \Omega \right|$ (3)

Where

 $l = k y \left( 1 - e^{\frac{-y^+}{A^+}} \right)$ (4)
 $\left| \Omega \right| = \sqrt{2 \Omega_{ij} \Omega_{ij}}$ (5)
 $\Omega_{ij} = \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{\partial u_i}{\partial x_j} - \frac{\partial u_j}{\partial x_i} \right)$ (6)

The outer region is given by:

 ${\mu_t}_{outer} = \rho \, K \, C_{CP} \, F_{WAKE} \, F_{KLEB}(y)$ (7)

Where

 $F_{WAKE} = MIN \left( y_{MAX} \, F_{MAX} \,\,;\,\, C_{WK} \, y_{MAX} \, \frac{u^2_{DIF}}{F_{MAX}} \right)$ (8)

$y_{MAX}$ and $F_{MAX}$ are determined from the maximum of the function:

 $F(y) = y \left| \Omega \right| \left(1-e^{\frac{-y^+}{A^+}} \right)$ (9)

$F_{KLEB}$ is the intermittency factor given by:

 $F_{KLEB}(y) = \left[1 + 5.5 \left( \frac{y \, C_{KLEB}}{y_{MAX}} \right)^6 \right]^{-1}$ (10)

$u_{DIF}$ is the difference between maximum and minimum speed in the profile. For boundary layers the minimum is always set to zero.

 $u_{DIF} = MAX(\sqrt{u_i u_i}) - MIN(\sqrt{u_i u_i})$ (11)

## Model constants

The table below gives the model constants present in the formulas above. Note that $k$ is a constant, and not the turbulence energy, as in other sections. It should also be pointed out that when using the Baldwin-Lomax model the turbulence energy, $k$, present in the governing equations, is set to zero.

 $A^+$ $C_{CP}$ $C_{KLEB}$ $C_{WK}$ $k$ $K$ 26 1.6 0.3 0.25 0.4 0.0168

## Model variants

In order to improve the Baldwin-Lomax model modifications of the model-constants can be made in order to account for the effect of adverse pressure gradients. This has been done by Granville and Turner and Jennions. For further information see the references below.

## Performance, applicability and limitations

The Baldwin-Lomax model is suitable for high-speed flows with thin attached boundary layers. Typical applications are aerospace and turbomachinery applications. It is a low-Re model and as such it requires a fairly well-resolved grid near the walls, with the first cell located at $y+ < 1$.

The model is popular in quick design-iterations due to its robustness and reliability. It seldom leads to any convergence problems and it seldom gives completely unphysical results.

The Baldwin-Lomax model should be used with great care in cases with large separations. It has been shown by several researchers that the Baldwin-Lomax model tends to overpredict separated regions (see for example the comments made by David Wilcox in his book Turbulence Modeling for CFD). However, there are ad-hoc modifications which reduce this problem. For instance, prediction of separation is sensitive to the value of the $C_{WK}$ coefficient and higher values than the original value tend to reduce the problems with too early separation. Also note that the Granville correction mentioned above, which attempts to account for adverse pressure gradient effects, increases the problem with too large separations.

The Baldwin-Lomax model does not account for the effect of a high free-stream turbulence level. Hence, it can not be used reliably when the free-stream turbulence has a signigicant effect on the boundary layer development.

## Implementation issues

We need some further information here about what to think about when implementing this model in a CFD code. For example, there are some issues when computing the max and min values in the formulas - in complex 3D cases you can sometimes find several local mins/maxs. Can anyone add something about this?

## References

• Baldwin, B. S. and Lomax, H. (1978), "Thin Layer Approximation and Algebraic Model for Separated Turbulent Flows", AIAA Paper 78-257.
• Granville, P. S. (1987), "Baldwin-Lomax Factors for Turbulent Boundary Layers in Pressure Gradients", AIAA Journal, Vol. 25, No. 12, pp. 1624-1627.
• Turner, M. G. and Jennions, I. K. (1993), "An Investigation of Turbulence Modeling in Transonic Fans Including a Novel Implementation of an Implicit $k-\epsilon$ Turbulence Model", Journal of Turbomachinery, Vol. 115, April, pp. 249-260.