Accurate Computational Prediction of Headed Plume Characteristics Emanating from Non-Conventional Exit Shapes in a Cross Wind Environment

A Phase I program is proposed which lays the groundwork for validation of CFD to accurately model heated exhaust plume discharge from non-conventional exit configurations into low-speed crosswinds. A key component of the Phase I effort is development of a detailed experimental plan to acquire high-fidelity CFD validation data for heated plumes in more complex low-speed flows. The sensitivity of plume transport to various parameters such as exhaust configuration, temperature and velocity ratio, freestream turbulence, and flow field obstructions will be considered. The experimental program will take advantage of a well-established synergy between CRAFT Tech and the National Center for Physical Acoustics (NCPA) at the University of Mississippi. Experiments will be planned for NCPA's low-speed wind tunnel, utilizing their extensive data acquisition experience in turbulent flows, and on-site model fabrication capabilities. As part of Phase I, CRAFT Tech's CFD methods, which are well validated for conventional plume predictions in realistic flows, will be applied to heated plumes in more complicated exhaust configurations, to demonstrate their capabilities. The Phase I work will set the stage for a comprehensive experimental program and CFD validation effort, with exhaust configurations of interest to the US Navy, to be performed in Phase II.