TURB / 017
Turbulence Intensity Estimator
Estimate a defensible starting turbulence intensity when measured inlet turbulence is unavailable, then decide whether the correlation is appropriate for your actual source.
Use the calculation to challenge the CFD setup.
Turbulence intensity is not a universal material property. It reflects upstream flow development, disturbances and hardware, so an estimator should be treated as a starting point rather than a hidden default.
Define the reference scale. Use values that represent the actual engineering problem.
Calculate transparently. The tool exposes the governing relation and intermediate outputs.
Compare with the solver. Look for inconsistent definitions, units or modelling assumptions.
Test sensitivity. Important CFD conclusions should not depend on one arbitrary input or discretization choice.
Move from calculation to diagnosis.
Use the result as a benchmark, then follow the relevant Technical Case or consulting capability when the actual CFD model needs deeper judgement.