Predicting Modes of the Unsteady Vorticity Field near the Trailing Edge of a Blade

Progress on predicting modes of the unsteady velocity/vorticity field of a turbulent boundary layer from Reynolds stress statistics is described. Prediction of these modes, that provide the source terms for trailing edge noise predictions in aircraft engine fans and other configurations, will allow for the first time detailed viscous flow effects to be included in such noise calculations. The key accomplishments of this work in FY02 are: (1) The development of a Matlab code for the prediction of modes in two- and three-dimensional boundary layers, previously applied to plane wakes; (2) Predictions with the code using a constant lengthscale formulation in a fully developed turbulence channel flow. Comparison of these boundary layer predictions with available DNS simulation results; and (3) Formulation of an improved model using a variable lengthscale proportional to mixing length. Turbulent channel flow predictions and comparison with DNS results. This work is being carried out in continuous communication and collaboration with the Glegg research group at Florida Atlantic University, which will be incorporating mode predictions into engine noise calculations.