Challenges in the modeling and simulation of turbulent supercritical fluid flows and heat transfer
Teng Wan, Mingshuo Zhou, Pinghui Zhao, Xingjian Wang
Abstract
Abstract Supercritical fluids (SCFs) hold potential in the fields of energy and advanced propulsion, highlighting the significance of comprehensively investigating SCF flow and heat transfer characteristics. The intricate and nonlinear thermophysical property variations of SCFs coupled with the primitive variables in the conservation equations pose several challenges in effectively modeling and simulating SCF flows and heat transfer. This paper conducts a thorough assessment of commonly used equations of state and look-up tables for describing the thermophysical properties of SCFs. The data-driven methods based on machine learning for SCFs are also discussed. The challenges associated with direct numerical simulation, Reynolds-averaged simulation, and large-eddy simulation of SCFs are examined. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation and discussion of the issue of turbulence modeling strategies that stem from low-pressure or ideal-gas conditions directly applied to SCF flow and heat transfer. The primary objective is to provide guidance for future research, thereby advancing and promoting the modeling and simulations of SCF flows and heat transfer.