GE Global Research is using the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) to deliver significant improvements in efficiency, (renewable’s) yield and lower emissions (noise) for advanced energy and propulsion systems. Understanding the fundamental physics of turbulent mixing has the potential to transform product design for components such as airfoils and jets to achieve improved performance, life and efficiency.

The GE team is leveraging the ALCF’s increased high performance computational capability to now demonstrate the industrial impact of high-fidelity numerical methods. Large eddy simulations (LES) of turbulent wake and jet mixing phenomena will be conducted with a focus on realistic jet engine/wind turbine geometry and operating conditions.

Under previous INCITE awards, project researchers have utilized the ALCF facilities to demonstrate the applicability of the LES approach to predict free shear layer flow for complex jet nozzles, and turbulent boundary layer flow at high Reynolds number wind turbine airfoils. More recently, the team has applied the turbulent wake prediction capability to start evaluating broadband noise generation due to the wake interaction with an airfoil.

This research will enhance the understanding of the physics of turbulent noise generation mechanisms from industrial product, by coupling the LES approach with modern HPC facilities. GE’s work will lead to the direct transfer of advanced simulation technology into the design of the next generation of green energy products.