Direct numerical simulation of flow over a forward-facing step – Flow structure and aeroacoustic source regions

A direct numerical simulation of the flow over a forward-facing step at a Reynolds number of 8000 based on the step height is presented. Calculations were performed using second-order finite volume discretisation in space on co-located meshes. A hybrid calculation approach based on Lighthill’s acoustic analogy is explained. Results of the simulation are intended to be used as a database for the validation of different discretisation schemes for the flow computation and simulation approaches for the calculation of sound radiation using a hybrid approach. Turbulent statistics are presented along with aeroacoustic source regions. Strong and weak forms of the aeroacoustic source term are presented and compared. For visualization purposes, the strong form is more suitable, whereas for the calculation of sound radiation both forms can be used. From the visualization of the aeroacoustic sources, it can be seen that they mainly concentrate on the region of the leading edge of the step and the shear layer close to the step.