Wind energy industry thrived in the last three decades, environmental concerns and government regulations stimulate studies on wind farm location selection and wind turbine design. Full-scale experiments and high-fidelity simulations are restrictive due to the prohibitively high cost, while the model-scale experiments and low-fidelity calculations miss key flow physics of unsteady high Reynolds number flows. A hybrid RANS/LES turbulence model integrated with transition formulation is developed and tested by a surrogate model problem through joint experimental and computational fluid dynamics approaches. The model problem consists of a circular cylinder for generating coherent unsteadiness and a downstream airfoil in the cylinder wake. The cylinder flow is subcritical, with a Reynolds number of 64,000 based upon the cylinder diameter. The quantitative dynamics of vortex shedding and Reynolds stresses in the cylinder near wake were well captured, owing to the turbulence-resolving large eddy simulation method that was invoked in the wake. The power spectrum density of velocity components showed that the flow fluctuations were well-maintained in cylinder wake towards airfoil and the hybrid model switched between RANS/LES mode outside boundary layer as expected. According to the experimental and simulation results, the airfoil encountered local flow angle variations up to ±50 degrees, and the turbulent airfoil boundary layer remained attached. Inspecting the boundary layer profiles over one shedding cycle, the oscillation about mean profile resembled the Stokes layer with zero mean. Further processing the data through phase-averaging technique found phase lags along the chordwise locations and both the phase-averaged and mean profiles collapsed into the Law of Wall in the range of 0 < y+ < 50. The features of high blade loading fluctuations due to unsteadiness and transitional boundary layers are of interest in the aerodynamic studies of full-scale wind turbine blades, making the model problem a comprehensive benchmark case for future model development and validation. / Ph. D.

For decades noise-induced hearing loss has been a concern of the Department of Defense (DoD). My research investigates noise generation and dispersion in supersonic jets and focuses on the fluid-dynamic regime typical of high-performance turbojet and turbofan engines. The goal of my research is to understand how dispersion and propagation of wavepackets can be modified by noise reduction strategies based on secondary injections of fluid with a different temperature from the main jet. The research is organized into three studies that focus on instability, large eddy simulations, and resolvent modes. The first study is a computational investigation of the role of thermal non-uniformity on the development of instability modes in the shear-layer of a supersonic $M= 1.5$, $Re=850,000$ jet. Cold fluid is injected at the axis of a heated jet to introduce radial non-uniformity and control the spatial development of the shear layer. The mean flow is analyzed with an efficient 2D and 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach using the SU2 code platform for 3 different cases -baseline, centered, and offset injection. Different turbulence models are tested and compared with the experiments. The coherent perturbation is analyzed using linear parallel and parabolized stability equations (PSEs). The second study investigates novel formulations of large eddy simulation models using an arbitrary high order discontinuous Galerkin scheme. The LES analysis focuses on both numerical issues (such as convergence against the polynomial order of the mesh), modeling issues (such as the choice of subgrid model), and underlying physics (such as vortex stretching and noise generation). Wall models are used to capture the viscous sublayer at the nozzle. The Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) method is used for far-field noise predictions for all cases. Three-dimensionality is studied to investigate how injection in the shear layer acts to create a rotational inviscid core and affects the mixing of the cold fluid and noise dispersion. The third study extends the (first) instability study by considering (global) resolvent modes. Such optimally forced modes of the turbulent mean flow field will identify the turbulent coherent structures (wavepackets) for different turbulence models at $M=1.5$. The LES simulations performed in the second study will be used to extract the mean flow and the dynamic modes for comparison. My research plan is to perform the resolvent analysis of the axisymmetric mean flow fields for the thermally activated case (i.e., the centered injection) and compare it to the baseline jet case. Different turbulence models will be investigated to determine the correct alignment of dynamic and resolvent modes. Finally, I will consider the three-dimensional, non-axisymmetric mean flow created by offset injection described in the second study, which requires evaluating the convolution products of resolvent modes and base flow. Such three-dimensional resolvent compressible modes have never been identified in the context of supersonic jets. / Doctor of Philosophy / For decades noise-induced hearing loss has been a concern of the Department of Defense (DoD). Research in this area is critical to US national security and valued by both the aircraft industry and government. The noise generated during take-off and landing is hazardous to the crew personnel who work around this vicinity. A reduction of noise can significantly decrease medical expenditure and allow the aircraft industry to meet the stringent community noise requirements. Among the various techniques of noise reduction analyzed over the years, thermal non-uniformity stands out for its simple implementation and cost-effectiveness, especially in after-burner turbojets. Thermal non-uniformity with a cold secondary stream introduces low-velocity fluid in a supersonic jet by locally increasing the density while matching the mass flow rate. Changes to the velocity profile are localized; different regions of the jet emit sound at different frequencies and radiation angles, thus the link between injection location and noise control is not well understood. Using different computational tools this research investigates the link connecting thermal non-uniformity, turbulent production, and sound generation. Injection at different radial locations affects the two mechanisms of sound radiation in different ways. The first mechanism, the Kelvin Helmholtz instability, can be studied as an eigenvalue problem that represents the spatial growth of normal modes. De-coherence of these modal fluctuations can be obtained by injecting secondary fluid directly into the shear layer. This injection mode is called offset injection. The present research shows that the thickening of the shear layer due to low-velocity fluid delays the formation of Kelvin-Helmholtz modes in the offset case. Thus, the outskirts of the jet produce pressure fluctuations with a lower spectral energy density. The second mechanism, the Orr instability, can be analyzed as non-modal growth of acoustic perturbation forced by the breakdown of the core of the jet. LES and stability analysis shows that centered injection is highly effective in reducing the Orr radiation. Resolvent modes explain that the rationale is the delay and reduction of a secondary resonant peak between spatial eddies and forcing caused by changes in the mean profile responsive to secondary injection. Our analysis also explains why the offset injection is more effective at a low polar angle, while centered injection reduces acoustic radiation towards high polar angles. Parametric studies of different injection strategies, i.e., location and number of injection ports are performed to demonstrate the best strategy for noise level reductions.

With a look towards the future, which involves a push towards utilizing renewable energy sources and cementing energy independence for future generations, the design of more efficient aircraft and novel energy systems is of utmost importance. This dissertation looks at leveraging some of the benefits offered by inflatable wings for use in tethered kite-like systems towards the goal of designing a High Altitude Aerial Platform (HAAP). Uses of such a system include Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES), among others. The key bene- fit offered by such wings is their lightweight construction and durability, but challenges to aerodynamic performance arise out of their flexible nature and non-standard airfoil profile. Studying the aerodynamic behavior of such wings forms the critical focus of this research. This effort primarily encompasses an experimental investigation of two swept, tethered, inflatable wings conducted in the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel, and numerical CFD computations of these wings. The experiment was conducted in the modular wall configuration of the anechoic test section at speeds ranging from 15 − 32.5 m/s for three different tether attachment configurations and wings constructed out of two different fabric materials. Along with static aeroelastic deformation data using a 3D photogrammetry system, aerodynamic measurements were taken in the form of Pitot and static pressure measurements in the wake of the wing, force and moment measurements at the base of the mount, and tension measurements at the tether attachment locations. This provides a data set for validating static aeroelastic modeling approaches for such a system and highlights the dramatic effect of the variability in test configuration on the wing's aerodynamics. In addition to the wind tunnel tests, 3D steady RANS CFD computations of the rigid 3D scanned inflatable wing geometry were conducted in the wind tunnel environment for these configurations to validate the CFD modeling approach and highlight the level of detail necessary to accurately characterize the wing aerodynamic performance. Static aeroelastic deformation data from the 3D photogrammetry system, at a speed of 27.5 m/s, were also used to deform the 3D scanned inflatable wing geometry, and RANS CFD computations of this deformed inflatable wing were conducted at a wind tunnel speed of 27.5 m/s. Several turbulence models were investigated and comparisons were made with the wind tunnel test data. Good agreement was found with experimental data for the forces and moments and wake Pitot pressure coefficient contours. Comparisons were also made with the rigid wing CFD computations at the same tunnel speed of 27.5 m/s to illustrate the effect of static aeroelastic deformations on the aerodynamic performance, wake Pitot pressure coefficient contours and wing-tip vortex structures, of these flexible inflated wings. In effect, this research utilizes the synergy be- tween wind tunnel experiments and numerical CFD computations to study the flow behavior over inflatable wings and provide a comprehensive verification and validation approach for modeling such complex systems. / Doctor of Philosophy / With a look towards the future, which involves a push towards utilizing renewable energy sources and cementing energy independence for future generations, the design of more efficient aircraft and novel energy systems is of utmost importance. This dissertation looks at leveraging some of the benefits offered by inflatable wings for use in tethered kite-like systems towards the goal of designing a High Altitude Aerial Platform (HAAP). Uses of such a system include Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES), among others. The key benefit offered by such wings is their lightweight construction and durability, but challenges to aerodynamic performance arise out of their flexible nature and non-standard airfoil profile. Studying the aerodynamic behavior of such wings forms the critical focus of this research. This effort primarily encompasses an experimental investigation of two swept, tethered, inflatable wings conducted in the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel, and computer simulations of the aerodynamic flow over these wings. The experiment was conducted in the modular wall configuration of the anechoic test section at speeds ranging from 15 − 32.5 m/s for three different tether attachment configurations and wings constructed out of two different fabric materials. Along with measurements of the wing deformations using a 3D photogrammetry system, aerodynamic measurements were taken in the form of pressure measurements in the wake of the wing, force and moment measurements at the base of the mount, and tension measurements at the tether attachment locations. This provides a data set for validating static aeroelastic modeling approaches for such a system and highlights the dramatic effect of the variability in test configuration on the wing's aerodynamics. In addition to the wind tunnel tests, detailed computer simulations of the scanned inflatable wing geometry were conducted in the wind tunnel environment for these configurations to validate the computational modeling approach and highlight the level of detail necessary to accurately characterize the wing aerodynamic performance. The wing deformation data from the 3D photogrammetry system, at a speed of 27.5 m/s, were also used to deform the scanned inflatable wing geometry, and computer simulations of this deformed inflatable wing geometry were conducted at a wind tunnel speed of 27.5 m/s. Good agreement was found between the experimental and computational forces and moments and wake Pitot pressure coefficient contours. Comparisons were also made with the undeformed wing computations at the same tunnel speed of 27.5 m/s to illustrate the effect of wing flexibility on the aerodynamic performance. In effect, this research utilizes the synergy between wind tunnel experiments and numerical CFD computations to study the flow behavior over inflatable wings and provide a comprehensive verification and validation approach for modeling such complex systems.

A three-dimensional unstructured incompressible RANS code has been developed using artificial compressibility and Spalart-Allmaras eddy viscosity model. A node-based finite volume method is used in which all flow variables are defined at the vertices of tetrahedrons in an unstructured grid. The inviscid fluxes are computed by using the Roe's flux difference splitting method, and higher order accuracy is attained by data reconstruction based on Taylor series expansion. Gauss theorem is used to formulate necessary gradients. For time integration, an implicit scheme based on linearized Euler backward method is used. A tetrahedral unstructured grid generation code has been also developed and applied to the tip clearance flow in a highly staggered cascade. Surface grids are first generated in the flow passage and blade tip by using several triangulation methods including Delaunay triangulation, advancing front method and advancing layer method. Then the whole computational domain including tip gap region is filled with prisms using the surface grids. Each prism is divided into three tetrahedrons. To accomplish this division in a consistent manner, connectivity pattern is assigned to each triangle in the surface grids. A new algorithm is devised to assign the connectivity pattern without reference to the particular method of triangulation. This technique offers great flexibility in surface grid generation. The code has been validated by comparisons with available computational and experimental results for several test cases: invisicd flow around NACA section, laminar and turbulent flow over a flat plate, turbulent flow through double-circular arc cascade and laminar flow through a square duct with 90° bend. For the laminar flat plate case, the velocity profile and skin friction coefficient are in excellent agreement with Blasius solution. For the turbulent flat plate case, velocity profiles are in full agreement with the law of the wall up to Reynolds number of 1.0E8, however, the skin friction coefficient is under-predicted by about 10% in comparison with empirical formula. Blade loading for the two-dimensional circular arc cascade is also compared with experiments. The results obtained with the experimental inflow angle (51.5° ) show some discrepancies at the trailing edge and severely under-predict the suction peak at the leading edge. These discrepancies are completely remedied if the inflow angle is increased to 53.5° . The code is also capable of predicting the secondary flow in the square duct with 90° bend, and the velocity profiles are in good agreement with measurements and published Navier-Stokes computations. Finally the code is applied to a linear cascade that has GE rotor B section with tip clearance and a high stagger angle of 56.9° . The overall structure of the tip clearance flow is well predicted. Loss of loading due to tip leakage flow and reloading due to tip leakage vortex are presented. On the end wall, separation line of the tip leakage vortex and reattachment line of passage vortex are identified. The location of the tip leakage vortex in the passage agrees very well with oil flow visualization. Separation bubble on the blade tip is also predicted. Mean streamwise velocity contours and cross sectional velocity vectors are compared with experimental results in the near wake, and good agreements are observed. It is concluded that Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model is adequate for this type of flow field except at locations where the tip leakage vortex of one blade interacts with the wake of a following blade. This situation may prevail for blades with longer span and/or in the far wake. Prediction of such an interaction presents a challenge to RANS computations. The effects of blade span on the flow structure have been also investigated. Two cascades with blades of aspect ratios of 0.5 and 1.0 are considered. By comparing pressure distributions on the blade, it is shown that the aspect ratio has strong effects on loading distribution on the blade although the tip gap height is very small (0.016 chord). Grid convergence study has been carried out with three different grids for pressure distributions and limiting streamlines on the end wall. / Ph. D.

La présente étude porte sur la simulation numérique de la croissance des cristaux de glace dans le sillage proche d'une aile rectangulaire munie de deux injecteurs qui modélisent les deux moteurs. Dans cette configuration, les phénomènes microphysiques interviennent lors de l'interaction du jet, issu du moteur, et du tourbillon marginal qui se développe à chaque bout d'aile. Cet écoulement, très turbulent, perturbe fortement l'air environnant. Les jets diffusent dans l'atmosphère et s'enroulent autour des deux tourbillons de bout d'aile. Ces jets contiennent de la vapeur d'eau, des suies, des gaz mais également des aérosols et particules chargées. Le modèle microphysique utilisé dans cette étude repose sur l'hypothèse que la vapeur d'eau condense uniquement sur les particules de suie. Les simulations numériques sont effectuées à l’aide du code CEDRE développé à l’ONERA. Les méthodes numériques sont basées sur une approche volume finie pour des maillages non structurés généralisés. La résolution des équations de Navier stokes compressibles pour des fluides multi-espèces se fait selon une approche de type RANS et seul le champ stationnaire, jusqu'à huit envergures en aval de la maquette, est calculé. La turbulence de l'écoulement est modélisée au moyen du système de fermeture à deux équations k-l . Cette approche permet d'obtenir une description spatiale plus réaliste de l'interaction entre le jet et le tourbillon marginal. Le champ aérodynamique du sillage est ainsi comparé aux données expérimentales existantes. Le jet est correctement enroulé autour du tourbillon à huit envergures, et la dilution du panache est bien décrite par les simulations. Le modèle microphysique est ensuite couplé au modèle aérodynamique. Une première simulation porte sur les phénomènes microphysiques intervenant dans le sillage de la maquette dans des conditions particulières, représentatives d'un avion commercial en vol de croisière dans une atmosphère saturée par rapport à la glace. L'influence de la taille initiale des particules de suies émises par les moteurs ainsi que l'humidité relative de l'atmosphère, sur les propriétés de la traînée de condensation, sont ensuite étudiées et discutées. Ce travail, de part la stratégie de calcul mise en place et notamment l'utilisation de maillages non structurés généralisés, permettra d'appréhender le rôle de certains paramètres clés liés à l'avion comme la géométrie des ailes ou bien encore la position des nacelles sur les propriétés microphysiques de la traînée de condensation. / Numerical simulations of ice particles growth, in the near wake of a rectangular wing with two injectors, are presented in this study. In this configuration, microphysical processes occur during the interaction between the engines jets and the marginal vortices developping at each wing tip. This strong turbulent flow disturbs highly the environmental flow. The jets diffuse in the atmosphere and are wrapped around the two wing tip vortices. They contain water vapour, soots, gas, aerosols and charged particles as well. One of the hypothesis of the microphysical modeling, used in this study, is that water vapour condenses on soot particles only. Numerical simulations are performed with the code CEDRE developed at ONERA. The numerical methods are based on a cell-centered finite volume approach for general unstructured grids. A Navier-Stokes solver for turbulent, compressible and multi-species flows with a RANS approach, based on the k-l turbulence model, is used. Only stationary states of the flow, until eight spans downstream the setup, are computed. This approach enables to get a better spatial description of the interaction between the jet and the marginal vortex. The numerical flow field is then compared to existing experimental data. The jet is correctly wrapped around the wing tip vortex at eight spans and the dilution of the effluents is well described by our simulations. The microphysical model is then coupled to the aerodynamics. The microphysical processes occurring in the wake of the setup in specific conditions, representative of a cruising civil aircraft in an ice-saturated atmosphere, are firstly simulated. The role, on the contrail’s properties, of soot particles initial size and of the atmospheric humidity is studied and discussed. This work, through its computational strategy, with the use of unstructured grids, will enable to understand the potential role of some key parameters such as the wings geometry or the engines position on the contrail properties.

Dans le domaine de la modélisation des écoulements turbulents, les approche hybrides RANS/LES ont reçu récemment beaucoup d'attention car ils combinent le coût de calcul raisonnable du RANS et la précision de la LES.Parmi elles, le TPITM (Temporal Partially Integrated Transport Model) est une approche hybride RANS/LES temporelle qui surmonte les inconsistances du raccordement continu du RANS et de la LES grâce à un formalisme de filtrage temporel. Cependant, le modèle TPITM est relativement difficile à mettre en œuvre et, en particulier, nécessite l'utilisation d'une correction dynamique, contrairement à d'autres approches, notamment la DES (Detached Eddy Simulation).Cette thèse propose alors une approche hybride RANS/LES similaire à la DES, mais basée sur un filtrage temporel, déduite du modèle TPITM par équivalence, c'est-à-dire en imposant la même partition entre énergies résolue et modélisée. Ce modèle HTLES (Hybrid Temporal LES) combine les caractéristiques de la DES (facilité de mise en œuvre) et du TPITM (formalisme consistant, justification théorique des coefficients).Après calibration en turbulence homogène, l'approche est appliquée à des cas d'écoulements autour de cylindres carrés puis rectangulaires. La modélisation des tensions de sous-filtre est une adaptation au contexte hybride du modèle RANS k-wSST.

Cette thèse s'inscrit dans le cadre des énergies renouvelables au sein du programme HARVEST du laboratoire LEGI, qui consiste à développer un concept d'hydrolienne de type Darrieus. L'hydrolienne peut être équipée d'un dispositif appelé carénage afin de transformer une portion plus grande de l'énergie cinétique contenue dans le courant d'eau en électricité. Les travaux présentés se sont focalisés sur ces systèmes de carénage, autour de trois axes : l'explication du principe de fonctionnement hydrodynamique du carénage, la quantification des performances de l'hydrolienne carénée et la mise en évidence des grandeurs géométriques clés du carénage permettant d'améliorer ou d'optimiser la performance du système. Toutes les études ont été réalisées à l'aide des calculs RANS 2D et des données expérimentales mises à disposition et, comparées aux résultats obtenus pour une hydrolienne non-carénée. / The general context of the present thesis is renewable energies within the HARVEST program initialized at LEGI laboratory, which consists in developing a Darrieus-type water current turbine (WCT). The WTC can be equipped with a channelling device which allows transforming a bigger amount of the kinetic energy contained in the flowstream into electricity. The present work is focused on the channelling devices. Studies concern three main topics: the explanation of the channelling device hydrodynamic functioning, the evaluation of the performance of the shrouded WCT and the revealing of the system geometrical parameters which allow its improvement or optimisation. All studies have been carried out by 2D RANS calculations and available experimental data, and have been compared to bare WTC results.

Le décrochage est un phénomène aérodynamique instationnaire susceptible d'apparaître sur de nombreux profils aérodynamiques. Il résulte d'un décollement important de l'écoulement vis-à-vis de la paroi de l'aile et dégrade considérablement les performances de vol. Sur certains profils de pales d'hélicoptères, d'éoliennes ou de rotors, ce phénomène se produit dans des conditions d'utilisation normales et justifie la recherche de méthodes de modélisation accessibles industriellement. Le décrochage est initié au bord d'attaque par l'apparition d'une petite région de recirculation de fluide appelée bulbe de décollement laminaire où l'écoulement transitionne de l'état laminaire vers l'état turbulent. Ce phénomène encore mal connu met en jeu transition et écoulements hors équilibre auxquels les outils de modélisation RANS habituellement employés ne sont pas adaptés. Dans cette étude, un bulbe transitionnel typique d'un écoulement de bord d'attaque de pale d'hélicoptère (profil OA209 à un nombre de Reynolds Rec∞=1.8x106 et 15° d'incidence) est isolé sur une plaque plane. Une simulation DNS de cet écoulement est réalisée à l'aide du logiciel FUNk de l'ONERA afin de servir de base de données pour l'amélioration des modèles RANS. L'évolution des bilans de l'équation de transport de l'énergie cinétique turbulente ainsi que les principales hypothèses RANS (isotropie de la turbulence, Boussinesq, équilibre production/dissipation) sont analysées. Une étude des principaux modèles RANS développés dans le logiciel elsA de l'ONERA est ensuite réalisée en pondérant les grandeurs turbulentes par une fonction de transition reproduisant l'intermittence de la turbulence. Le modèle k-ω de Wilcox couplé à une fonction de transition optimisée a donné les résultats les plus proches de la DNS et a donc été l'objet d'une analyse plus approfondie, notamment une évaluation des principales équations bilans et une application de ce modèle et de sa méthode de transition à un cas de transition naturelle de plaque plane. / The stall is an unsteady aerodynamic phenomenon that may occur on many aerodynamic profiles. It consists in a large separation of the flow from the wall of the wing and significantly deteriorates the flight performances. On some blade profiles such as helicopters, turbines or rotors, this phenomenon occurs under normal conditions of use and justifies the research of industrially accessible modeling methods. The stall is initiated at the leading edge by the appearance of a small region of fluid recirculation called a “laminar separation bubble” where the flow transitions from the laminar to the turbulent state. This still poorly understood phenomenon involves transition and non-equilibrium flows for which commonly used RANS modeling tools are not suitable. In this study, a transitional bubble typical of an helicopter leading edge flow (OA209 profile at a Reynolds number Rec∞=1.8x106 and 15° of incidence) is reproduced on a flat plate. A DNS simulation of this flow is performed using the ONERA FUNk software to serve as a database for RANS models improvements. The evolution of turbulent kinetic energy budgets as well as the main RANS assumptions (isotropy of turbulence, Boussinesq hypothesis, production/dissipation balance) are analyzed. The main RANS models developed in the ONERA elsA software are then studied by weighting the turbulent quantities with a transition function reproducing the intermittency of the turbulence. The k-ω Wilcox model coupled with an optimized transition function gave the best results and was therefore kept for a more in-depth analysis, including an assessment of the main budgets and an application of this model and its transition method to a natural transition test case on a flat plate.

Dans le cadre du projet INTERMARC (INTERaction dans les Moteurs à Allumage Commandé), la tâche du CORIA a consisté à produire une base de données à l'échelle RANS (provenant de données DNS) afin de tester, valider et modifier le modèle d'interaction développée par IFPen. Ce modèle vise l'ajout d'une composante d'interaction, phénomène non pris en compte par les lois de paroi actuelles.Ce projet repose sur l'interaction forte entre les différents protagonistes présents. Le CORIA et le CETHIL ont travaillé ensemble à la réalisation d'une base de données pour tester les modèles initiaux proposés par IFPen, puis en fonction des résultats obtenus, à itérer avec IFPen pour modifier et améliorer les modèles. Ces tests ont inclus des simulations 2D laminaires, 2D turbulentes, et 3D turbulentes. / Under the INTERMARC project (Flame wall interaction in spark ignition engines), CORIA's job was to produce a database to RANS scale (from DNS data) to test, validate and modify the interaction model developed by IFPEN. This model aims the addition of the interaction phenomena, non-captured by the current wall laws. This project is based on the strong interaction between the different actors. The CORIA and the CETHIL have worked together in the creation of the database, where the experimental data were also used to validate the resuslts of the DNS code.CORIA then used this database to test the original model proposed by IFPPEN, then according to the results obtained, CORIA iterated with IFPEN to modify and improve the models. These tests included laminar 2D simulations, 2D turbulent and 3D turbulent simulations.

La présence de structures de vapeur dans la machine peut provoquer des dommages structurels et altérer les performances de la turbine. Ainsi, l’étude de la cavitation dans les machines hydrauliques est d’un très grand intérêt pour les industriels. Parmi les turbines hydrauliques, les turbines Kaplan sont réputées pour leur flexibilité. En effet, l’ouverture des directrices et la position des aubes de la roue peuvent être régulées en continu pendant l’utilisation de la machine, optimisant son rendement sur une large plage de fonctionnement. En contrepartie, Cela implique la présence de jeux entre les parties fixes et mobiles des turbines Kaplanà qui conduit à des structures de cavitation supplémentaires à ce niveau des machines. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif principal de cette thèse est de développer une méthodologie numérique capable de prédire et de caractériser la cavitation dans des turbines Kaplan et son impact sur les performances de la machine. Dans cette thèse, un modèle réduit de turbine Kaplan à 5 pales a été analysé. Les équations RANS/URANS ont été résolues,modélisant l’écoulement cavitant à l’aide d’une approche homogène et d’une loi d’état de type barotrope. Tout d’abord, la méthodologie a été définie pour des conditions de fonctionnement optimales, puis elle a été testée également sur un point de fonctionnement à forte charge. La méthode numérique de prédiction de la cavitation qui a été développée a pu être validée à l’aide de données expérimentales. Les prédictions numériques des performances et de l’évolution des structures de vapeur obtenues en appliquant la nouvelle stratégie de calcul de la cavitation sont en très bon accord quantitatif et qualitatif avec les données expérimentales. Une fois que la méthodologie numérique a été définie, des analyses approfondies de l’évolution des écoulements cavitants dans la machine ont été effectuées. L’approche développée apparaît très fiable, robuste et précise. / The presence of cavitation phenomena in hydraulic machines cause several structural damages and alter the machine performances. Hence, the investigation of the cavitation in hydraulic turbine is of great industrial interest. Amongthe hydraulic turbine, Kaplan turbine are known for their flexibility. The guide vane opening and the runner blade position can be continuously regulated during machine operation maximizing the efficiency for a large range of operating conditions. This implies the presence of shroud and hub gaps that leads to additional cavitation structures in the runner. In this context, the principal aim of this thesis is the development of a numerical methodology able to predict and characterize the cavitation in Kaplan turbine and its impact on the machine performance. The analysis refers to a scale model of a 5-blades Kaplan turbine. RANS/URANS equations have been solved modeling the cavitating flow by using a homogeneous approach and a barotropic state law. The methodology have been defined for optimal operating conditions and, after has been tested also on the full load operating point. Experimental data have been used to validate the developed numerical method of cavitation prediction. The numerical predictions of the performances and the vapor structures obtained by applying the new cavitation calculations strategy are in very good quantitative and qualitative agreement with the available experimental data. Once the numerical methodology has been defined in-deep analyses of the cavitating flow evolution in the machine have been performed. The developed approach appears to be very reliable, robust and precise.