Sparse Bayesian Learning of Explicit Algebraic Reynolds-Stress models for turbulent separated flows

A novel Sparse Bayesian Learning (SBL) framework is introduced for generating stochastic Explicit Algebraic Reynolds Stress (EARSM) closures for the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations from high-fidelity data. Building on the recently proposed SpaRTA (Sparse Regression of Turbulent Stress Anisotropy) algorithm of Schmelzer et al. (2020), corrections to an underlying Linear-Eddy-Viscosity Models (LEVM) (namely, the k−ω SST model) are formulated as physically-interpretable, frame-invariant tensor polynomials and built from a redundant dictionary of candidate functions. The SBL-SpaRTA algorithm yields a sparse model structure (which favors interpretability and reduces overfitting), while endowing model coefficients with a measure of uncertainty, namely, posterior probability distributions. The framework is used to learn customized stochastic closure models for three separated flow configurations, characterized by different geometries but similar Reynolds number. The resulting stochastic models are then propagated through a CFD solver for all three configurations by means of probabilistic chaos collocation (Loeven et al., 2007). SBL-SpaRTA predictions of velocity profiles and friction coefficient distributions outperform those of the baseline LEVM, for training as well as for test cases. Furthermore, the prediction uncertainty intervals encompass reasonably well the reference data and tend to become large in regions of large discrepancy between RANS and high-fidelity predictions, thus warning the user about model reliability. Finally, a global sensitivity analysis of the stochastic models is carried out, illustrating the role of the dominant corrective terms and providing insights for future improvement of data-driven turbulence models. •A stochastic methodology for data-driven RANS modeling is proposed.•Sparse Bayesian Learning (SBL) is used for discovering turbulence model corrections from a redundant dictionary.•The approach is trained and validated for a class of separated flows.•The SBL approach improves average predictions while providing estimates of turbulence modeling uncertainties.