Improving boundary-layer separation prediction by an IDDES turbulence model using a pressure-gradient sensor

TL;DR

This paper enhances the IDDES turbulence model with a pressure-gradient sensor to better predict boundary-layer separation, improving stall and post-stall flow predictions across various airfoil applications.

Contribution

It extends a pressure-gradient sensor from RANS to IDDES models and introduces modifications to improve boundary-layer separation predictions.

Findings

Improved stall onset and post-stall predictions.

Enhanced lift and drag predictions across angles of attack.

Unified model for multiple flow regimes.

Abstract

This work extends a pressure-gradient sensor for boundary-layer separation originally developed for the $k-\omega$ shear-stress transport Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model (Griffin et al., 2025, J. Turb.) to the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) turbulence model of Gritskevich et al. (2012, Flow Turbul. Combust.). The pressure-gradient sensor identifies local regions of strong adverse pressure-gradient where the eddy-viscosity is reduced, as in the original RANS model. Additionally, to promote separation in the IDDES model, the elevation term in the IDDES length scale, designed to augment the RANS-mode Reynolds stress in attached flow regions, is turned off where the pressure-gradient sensor is active. The model is applied on various airfoils representative of both wind energy and aerospace applications, and is used in fully turbulent and transitional IDDES model variants. The proposed model improves the prediction of stall onset and post-stall regimes relative to the baseline IDDES model without significant degradation of attached-flow regimes relative to state-of-the-art RANS models or deep-stall regimes relative to state-of-the-art IDDES models. Significant overall improvements are observed in predictions of lift and drag polars across 90 degrees of angle of attack, yielding a unified model able to predict various (two- and three-dimensional) flow regimes. Shortcomings are identified to be related to the underlying RANS pressure-gradient sensor rather than the extension of the sensor to the IDDES model, which is the focus of this work.