Direct Numerical Simulation of a Turbulent Boundary Layer on a Flat Plate Using Synthetic Turbulence Generation

James R. Wright, Riccardo Balin, John W. Patterson, John A. Evans, Kenneth E. Jansen

Published 2020-10-08Version 1

The turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate is computed by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations as a test bed for a synthetic turbulence generator (STG) inflow boundary condition. The inlet momentum thickness Reynolds number is approximately $1,000$. The study provides validation of the ability of the STG to develop accurate turbulence in 5 to 7 boundary layer thicknesses downstream of the boundary condition. Moreover, the grid resolution required for both the development region and the downstream flow is investigated when using a stabilized finite element method.