Turbulence inlets for large-eddy simulations

Realistic boundary conditions in numerical simulations ultimately determine the accuracy of the final results. It is often assumed that steady uniform velocity inlets are an acceptable representation of an atmospheric wind when investigating flows around bluff bodies although it is becoming clear that this simplification poorly predicts the flow field.

Wind loads on vehicles and buildings obtained from numerical simulations require validation against physical experiments. Physical experiments take the form of wind tunnel, or full-scale, tests and therefore incident winds are inherently turbulent. Comparing results from numerical simulations with laminar inlets to results from physical experiments where turbulent winds are used leads to unquantifiable uncertainties.

This PhD is intended to develop an inlet instantaneous boundary condition and assess its performance in large-eddy simulations of the flow around a number of reference geometries.

The chosen student will use the University of Birmingham’s high-performance computing facility, BlueBEAR, to perform the simulations and will join a world-renowned research team. He/she will work closely with Dr Dominic Flynn ([Email Address Removed]).
To apply for this post, please send an up-to-date CV to Dr Hassan Hemida ([Email Address Removed])

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in the School, the funding opportunities available for your subject, and guidance on making your application, you can order a copy of our Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp