Sensitivity Analysis for the Navier-Stokes Equations with Two-Equation Turbulence Models

Aerodynamic sensitivity analysis is performed for the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with two-equation turbulence models using a discrete adjoint method and a direct differentiation method respectively. Like the mean flow equations, the turbulence model equations are also hand-differentiated to accurately calculate the sensitivity derivatives of flow quantities with respect to design variables in turbulent viscous flows. Both the direct differentiation code and the adjoint variable code adopt the same time integration scheme with the flow solver to efficiently solve the differentiated equations. The sensitivity codes are then compared with the flow solver in terms of solution accuracy, computing time and computer memory requirements. The sensitivity derivatives obtained from the sensitivity codes with different turbulence models are compared with each other. Using two-equation turbulence models, it is observed that a usual assumption of constant turbulent eddy viscosity in adjoint methods may lead to seriously inaccurate results in highly turbulent flows.