Numerical simulations of turbulence in hydro-electric applications

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This proposal addresses a problem of critical importance to the hydroelectric power industry: the development of accurate models for the prediction of the flow over rough surfaces, in the presence of favourable and adverse pressure gradients. We will use direct and large-eddy simulations (DNS and LES) of turbulence to validate the models for the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations that are commonly used in industry. Although the DNS and LES will be performed at Reynolds numbers lower than those in actual applications, the LES should be able to achieve the fully rough regime that allows extension of the simulation results to practical applications. The proposed research will benefit Canada in several ways: first, it will train one PhD student and one PDF in the computational sciences; secondly, it will generate fundamental knowledge on the physics of the interaction of pressure gradients with roughness (a little-studied, but technologically important problem); third, it will develop prediction models that will benefit the power generation industry (and may be extended to other areas of application as well), and can potentially result in significant efficiency increases and financial savings.