Abstract

In this thesis, a non-intrusive uncertainty quantification (UQ) method is used to improve the accuracy of a wall-modeled large eddy simulation (WMLES) model. Detailed UQ studies focusing on the closure coefficients of two LES models are performed. A non-intrusive polynomial chaos model is used to evaluate output sensitivities and uncertainties in the entire flow domain. The proposed UQ method allows for the investigation of specific flow features and phenomena within the domain. The results of the UQ analyses are then used to identify which turbulence model closure coefficients most influence the flow features of interest. Sobol indices of closure coefficients ( in Smagorinsky model and in WMLES model) are obtained. Based on the magnitudes of Sobol indices, refinements are then made to the closure coefficients of interest to improve the accuracy of the turbulence models. OpenFOAM is used as the flow solver and the UQ analyses are conducted with DAKOTA. The UQ method is applied to the channel flow at different Reynolds numbers. The refined LES turbulence models with modified closure coefficients show improvement in the prediction of the skin-friction coefficient in the channel flow.

Committee Chair

Ramesh Agarwal

Committee Members

Dave Peters Swami Karunamoorthy

Comments

Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K70Z72PB

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2017

Language

English (en)

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