Flow Field Predictions of the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel

To improve the understanding of the flow field within the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) with three different tunnel configurations, three-dimensional Reynold-Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations were performed using the Menter-SST turbulence model. The 2000 tunnel configuration was simulated in the settling chamber from the spray bars to the test section. The 2009 tunnel configuration was simulated with vertical struts and multiple Mod-1 air jets implemented using embedded velocity profiles. The 2012 tunnel configuration has a new heat exchanger which was modeled starting from the exit of the heat exchanger to the test section. The results described herein focus on the flow turbulence since this defines test section performance but also is used to improve uniformity of the Liquid Water Content (LWC).