Probabilistic machine learning to improve generalisation of data-driven turbulence modelling

A probabilistic machine learning model is introduced to augment the k−ωSST turbulence model in order to improve the modelling of separated flows and the generalisability of learnt corrections. Increasingly, machine learning methods have been used to leverage experimental and high-fidelity simulation data, improving the accuracy of the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence models widely used in industry. A significant challenge for such methods is their ability to generalise to unseen geometries and flow conditions. Furthermore, heterogeneous datasets containing a mix of experimental and simulation data must be efficiently handled. In this work, field inversion and an ensemble of Gaussian Process Emulators (GPEs) is employed to address both of these challenges. The ensemble model is applied to a range of benchmark test cases, demonstrating improved turbulence modelling for cases involving separated flows with adverse pressure gradients, where RANS simulations are understood to be unreliable. Perhaps more significantly, the simulation reverted to the uncorrected model in regions of the flow exhibiting physics outside of the training data. •Probabilistic ML model for a robust data-driven k−ωSST RANS model.•Improves prediction of separated flows, with no corrections for attached flows.•Probabilistic models accompany correction to RANS with an estimate of uncertainty.•Heterogeneous data sources combined through ensemble of GPEs.•Ensemble of GPEs improve uncertainty predictions compared to single models.