Modelling of vortex breakdown and calculation of large-scale kinetic energy on a slender delta wing using URANS and Reynolds-stress modelling

A computational study regarding the accurate modelling of the unsteady flow over a slender delta-wing and the vortex breakdown (VB) identification by adopting a Reynolds-stress turbulence model is presented. The VB is identified by the pressure distributions, the stagnation point inside the vortex core and the vorticity development over the delta-wing. Additionally, the whole range of the unsteady flow field kinetic energy, which is divided into two regions, is calculated. The first region is related to the modelled turbulent small-scales and the second to the resolved large-scales, which are produced due to the VB. The distributions of the small-scale, the large-scale and the total kinetic energy along the vortex core are presented, providing information regarding their development during VB. The results show that the adoption of URANS with an advanced/sophisticated turbulence model is able to identify and describe with consistency the VB onset and its development over a slender delta-wing.