A robust intermittency equation formulation for transition modeling in Spalart–Allmaras simulations of airfoil flows over a wide range of Reynolds numbers

This paper introduces a new robust formulation for local correlation-based laminar-to-turbulent transition models. This mechanism is incorporated into Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations, coupled with the Spalart–Allmaras (SA) turbulence model, considering both γ and (formula presented) transition frameworks. In this context, special attention is placed on numerical stabilization of the γ transport equation, which is identified as the root cause of instabilities observed in both γ and (formula presented)-based models. To this end, the intermittency equation is reformulated in logarithmic form and further stabilized through an energy-based limiting to bound excessively high positive values. In order to suppress unphysical pressure oscillations in the transition region, a gradient-driven artificial viscosity is also introduced. Additionally, the SA equation is augmented with strain-rate-modulated production and rotation correction terms. The presented approach has demonstrated consistent effectiveness and robustness in the simulation of flow fields around airfoils over a wide range of Reynolds numbers, making it suitable for practical aerodynamic design applications.