A 3‐D non‐hydrostatic pressure model for small amplitude free surface flows

A three‐dimensional, non‐hydrostatic pressure, numerical model with k–ε equations for small amplitude free surface flows is presented. By decomposing the pressure into hydrostatic and non‐hydrostatic parts, the numerical model uses an integrated time step with two fractional steps. In the first fractional step the momentum equations are solved without the non‐hydrostatic pressure term, using Newton's method in conjunction with the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) method so that most terms can be solved implicitly. This method only needs the product of a Jacobian matrix and a vector rather than the Jacobian matrix itself, limiting the amount of storage and significantly decreasing the overall computational time required. In the second step the pressure–Poisson equation is solved iteratively with a preconditioned linear GMRES method. It is shown that preconditioning reduces the central processing unit (CPU) time dramatically. In order to prevent pressure oscillations which may arise in collocated grid arrangements, transformed velocities are defined at cell faces by interpolating velocities at grid nodes. After the new pressure field is obtained, the intermediate velocities, which are calculated from the previous fractional step, are updated. The newly developed model is verified against analytical solutions, published results, and experimental data, with excellent agreement. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The analysis of the channel flow sensitivity to the parameters of the k–ε method

This paper deals with the problem of using sensitivity analysis for fluid mechanics solutions to the constants of the standard k–ε method for 2D, incompressible and steady flows. The problem is described and analysed on the basis of a channel flow. Sensitivity coefficients of the following properties were determined: a pressure, two components of a velocity, a turbulence kinetic energy, a dissipation rate of turbulence kinetic energy and a turbulence dynamic viscosity. The calculated property values depend on five model constants that are parameters of the sensitivity analysis in this paper. Sensitivity coefficients are derivatives of the above properties, for individual parameters. In this paper these coefficients are determined using a finite difference approximation to the sensitivities coefficients. The author of this paper compares three models of the boundary layer with regard to the sensitivity of properties to the parameters. Irrespective of the boundary layer model used here, the analysis of sensitivity coefficients for the channel flow properties shows that the most sensitive property is the turbulence dissipation rate. Next properties of consequence, although of significantly smaller values of sensitivity coefficients, are the turbulence viscosity and the turbulence kinetic energy. All flow properties are mostly sensitive to the C_µ parameter. One of the final conclusions in this paper is that the analysis of sensitivity coefficient fields allows the reliable checking of results and indicates those areas most prone to calculation difficulties. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SOME VALIDATION OF STANDARD,MODIFIED AND NON-LINEAR k–ε TURBULENCE MODELS

Standard, modified and non-linear k–ε: turbulence models are validated against three axisymmetric flow problems—flow through a pipe expansion, flow through a pipe constriction and an impinging jet problem—to underpin knowledge about the solution quality obtained from two-equation turbulence models. The extended models improve the prediction of turbulence as a flow approaches a stagnation point and the non-linear model allows for the prediction of anisotropic turbulence. Significantly different values for the non-linear model coefficients are proposed in comparison with values found in the literature. Nevertheless, current turbulence models are still unable to accurately predict the spreading rate of shear layers. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Int. j. numer. methods fluids, 24: 965–986, 1997.     

Assessment of variants of the k–ϵ turbulence model for engine flow applications

This paper is concerned with simulation of the mean flow and turbulence evolution in a model engine and comparison of the behaviour of certain important turbulence parameters, namely the intensity, length scale and dissipation time scale, as predicted by three variants of the k–? model developed for application to strongly compressible flows. The predictions pertain to the axisymmetric, disc-chamber, four-stroke, Imperial College model engine operating at 200 rpm and compression ratios of 3·5 and 6·7. The paper analyses the predicted variations of these parameters during the induction, compression and expansion strokes and identifies the versions that produce the most consistent and physically plausible variations. The significance, to the turbulence evolution, of the ratio of the turbulence dissipation time scale to the time scale of compression/expansion is also discussed. It is concluded that on these grounds the Morel–Mansour and El Tahry versions are, and the Watkins version is not, suitable for engine applications.     

On steady state computation of turbulent flows using k–ε models approximated by the time splitting method

The time splitting method is frequently used in numerical integration of flow equations with source terms since it allows almost independent programming for the source part. In this paper we will consider the question of convergence to steady state of the time splitting method applied to k–ε turbulence models. This analysis is derived from a properly defined scalar study and is carried out with success for the coupled k–ε equations. It is found that the time splitting method does not allow convergence to steady state for any choice of finite values of the time step. Numerical experiments for some typical turbulent compressible flow problems support the fact that the time splitting method is always nonconvergent, while its nonsplitting counterpart is convergent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical simulation of turbulent free surface flow with two‐equation k–ε eddy‐viscosity models

This paper presents a finite difference technique for solving incompressible turbulent free surface fluid flow problems. The closure of the time‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations is achieved by using the two‐equation eddy‐viscosity model: the high‐Reynolds k–ε (standard) model, with a time scale proposed by Durbin; and a low‐Reynolds number form of the standard k–ε model, similar to that proposed by Yang and Shih. In order to achieve an accurate discretization of the non‐linear terms, a second/third‐order upwinding technique is adopted. The computational method is validated by applying it to the flat plate boundary layer problem and to impinging jet flows. The method is then applied to a turbulent planar jet flow beneath and parallel to a free surface. Computations show that the high‐Reynolds k–ε model yields favourable predictions both of the zero‐pressure‐gradient turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate and jet impingement flows. However, the results using the low‐Reynolds number form of the k–ε model are somewhat unsatisfactory. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Finite element simulation of turbulent Couette–Poiseuille flows using a low Reynolds number k–ϵ model

Developing Couette–Poiseuille flows at Re=5000 are studied using a low Reynolds number k–ϵ two‐equation model and a finite element formulation. Mesh‐independent solutions are obtained using a standard Galerkin formulation and a Galerkin/least‐squares stabilized method. The predictions for the velocity and turbulent kinetic energy are compared with available experimental results and to the DNS data. Second moment closure's solutions are also compared with those of the k–ϵ model. The deficiency of eddy viscosity models to predict dissymmetric low Reynolds number channel flows has been demonstrated. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low Reynolds number k–ε model for near‐wall flow

A wall‐distance free k–ε turbulence model is developed that accounts for the near‐wall and low Reynolds number effects emanating from the physical requirements. The model coefficients/functions depend non‐linearly on both the strain rate and vorticity invariants. Included diffusion terms and modified C_ε(1,2) coefficients amplify the level of dissipation in non‐equilibrium flow regions, thus reducing the kinetic energy and length scale magnitudes to improve prediction of adverse pressure gradient flows, involving flow separation and reattachment. The model is validated against a few flow cases, yielding predictions in good agreement with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) and experimental data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Suitability of the k–ω turbulence model for scramjet flowfield simulations

The suitability of Wilcox's 2006 k– ω turbulence model for scramjet flowfield simulations is demonstrated by validation against five test cases that have flowfields representative of those to be expected in scramjets. The five test cases include a 2D flat plate, an axisymmetric cylinder, a backward‐facing step, the mixing of a pair of coaxial jets and the interaction between a shock wave and turbulent boundary layer. A generally good agreement between the numerical and experimental results is obtained for all test cases. These tests reveal that despite the turbulence model's sensitivity to freestream turbulence properties, the numerically predicted skin friction agrees with experimental data and theoretical correlations to their degree of uncertainty. The tests also confirm the importance of using a y⁺ value of less than 1 in getting accurate surface heat transfer distributions. In the coaxial jets case, the importance of matching the turbulence intensities at the inflow plane in improving the predictions of the turbulent mixing phenomena is also shown. A review of guidelines with regard to the setting up of grids and specification of freestream turbulence properties for turbulent Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes CFD simulations is also included in this paper. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A meshless method for numerical simulation of depth‐averaged turbulence flows using a k‐ϵ model

A three‐dimensional numerical model is developed to analyze free surface flows and water impact problems. The flow of an incompressible viscous fluid is solved using the unsteady Navier–Stokes equations. Pseudo‐time derivatives are introduced into the equations to improve computational efficiency. The interface between the two phases is tracked using a volume‐of‐fluid interface tracking algorithm developed in a generalized curvilinear coordinate system. The accuracy of the volume‐of‐fluid method is first evaluated by the multiple numerical benchmark tests, including two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional deformation cases on curvilinear grids. The performance and capability of the numerical model for water impact problems are demonstrated by simulations of water entries of the free‐falling hemisphere and cone, based on comparisons of water impact loadings, velocities, and penetrations of the body with experimental data. For further validation, computations of the dam‐break flows are presented, based on an analysis of the wave front propagation, water level, and the dynamic pressure impact of the waves on the downstream walls, on a specific container, and on a tall structure. Extensive comparisons between the obtained solutions, the experimental data, and the results of other numerical simulations in the literature are presented and show a good agreement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A γ‐model BGK scheme for compressible multifluids

We present a γ‐model BGK scheme for the numerical simulation of compressible multifluids. The scheme is based on the incorporation of a conservative γ‐model scheme given in (J. Comput. Phys. 1996; 125 :150–160) into the gas kinetic BGK scheme (J. Comput. Phys. 1993; 109 :53–66, J. Comput. Phys. 1994; 114 :9–17), and is simple to implement. Several numerical examples presented in this paper validate the scheme in the application of compressible multimaterial flows. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A two‐scale low‐Reynolds number turbulence model

In this study, a two‐scale low‐Reynolds number turbulence model is proposed. The Kolmogorov turbulence time scale, based on fluid kinematic viscosity and the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (ν, ε), is adopted to address the viscous effects and the rapid increasing of dissipation rate in the near‐wall region. As a wall is approached, the turbulence time scale transits smoothly from a turbulent kinetic energy based (k, ε) scale to a (ν, ε) scale. The damping functions of the low‐Reynolds number models can thus be simplified and the near‐wall turbulence characteristics, such as the ε distribution, are correctly reproduced. The proposed two‐scale low‐Reynolds number turbulence model is first examined in detail by predicting a two‐dimensional channel flow, and then it is applied to predict a backward‐facing step flow. Numerical results are compared with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) budgets, experimental data and the model results of Chien, and Lam and Bremhorst respectively. It is proved that the proposed two‐scale model indeed improves the predictions of the turbulent flows considered. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A two‐dimensional vertical non‐hydrostatic σ model with an implicit method for free‐surface flows

An implicit finite difference model in the σ co‐ordinate system is developed for non‐hydrostatic, two‐dimensional vertical plane free‐surface flows. To accurately simulate interaction of free‐surface flows with uneven bottoms, the unsteady Navier–Stokes equations and the free‐surface boundary condition are solved simultaneously in a regular transformed σ domain using a fully implicit method in two steps. First, the vertical velocity and pressure are expressed as functions of horizontal velocity. Second, substituting these relationship into the horizontal momentum equation provides a block tri‐diagonal matrix system with the unknown of horizontal velocity, which can be solved by a direct matrix solver without iteration. A new treatment of non‐hydrostatic pressure condition at the top‐layer cell is developed and found to be important for resolving the phase of wave propagation. Additional terms introduced by the σ co‐ordinate transformation are discretized appropriately in order to obtain accurate and stable numerical results. The developed model has been validated by several tests involving free‐surface flows with strong vertical accelerations and non‐linear waves interacting with uneven bottoms. Comparisons among numerical results, analytical solutions and experimental data show the capability of the model to simulate free‐surface flow problems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prediction of developing turbulent flow in 90°‐curved ducts using linear and non‐linear low‐Re k–ε models

This paper reports the outcome of applying two different low‐Reynolds‐number eddy‐viscosity models to resolve the complex three‐dimensional motion that arises in turbulent flows in ducts with 90^° bends. For the modelling of turbulence, the Launder and Sharma low‐Re k–ε model and a recently produced variant of the cubic non‐linear low‐Re k–ε model have been employed. In this paper, developing turbulent flow through two different 90^° bends is examined: a square bend, and a rectangular bend with an aspect ratio of 6. The numerical results indicate that for the bend of square cross‐section the curvature induces a strong secondary flow, while for the rectangular cross‐section the secondary motion is confined to the corner regions. For both curved ducts, the secondary motion persists downstream of the bend and eventually slowly disappears. For the bend of square cross‐section, comparisons indicate that both turbulence models can produce reasonable predictions. For the bend of rectangular cross‐section, for which a wider range of data is available, while both turbulence models produce satisfactory predictions of the mean flow field, the non‐linear k–ε model returns superior predictions of the turbulence field and also of the pressure and friction coefficients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical modelling of complex turbulent free‐surface flows with the SPH method: an overview

The gridless smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is now commonly used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and appears to be promising in predicting complex free‐surface flows. However, increasing flow complexity requires appropriate approaches for taking account of turbulent effects, whereas some authors are still working without any turbulence closure in SPH. A review of recently developed turbulence models adapted to the SPH method is presented herein, from the simplistic point of view of a one‐equation model involving mixing length to more sophisticated (and thus realistic) models like explicit algebraic Reynolds stress models (EARSM) or large eddy simulation (LES). Each proposed model is tested and validated on the basis of schematic cases for which laboratory data, theoretical or numerical solutions are available in the general field of turbulent free‐surface incompressible flows (e.g. open‐channel flow and schematic dam break). They give satisfactory results, even though some progress should be made in the future in terms of free‐surface influence and wall conditions. Recommendations are given to SPH users to apply this method to the modelling of complex free‐surface turbulent flows. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simulating two-dimensional turbulent flow by using the κ–ϵ model and the vorticity–streamfunction formulation

A numerical procedure to solve turbulent flow which makes use of the κ–? model has been developed. The method is based on a control volume finite element method and an unstructured triangular domain discretization. The velocity-pressure coupling is addressed via the vorticity-streamfunction and special attention is given to the boundary conditions for the vorticity. Wall effects are taken into account via wail functions or a low-Reynolds-number model. The latter was found to perform better in recirculation regions. Source terms of the κ and ε transport equations have been linearized in a particular way to avoid non-realistic solutions. The vorticity and streamfunction discretized equations are solved in a coupled way to produce a faster and more stable computational procedure. Comparison between the numerical predictions and experimental data shows that the physics of the flow is correctly simulated.     

Calculation of turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer in ducts by a full Reynolds stress model

A computational method has been developed to predict the turbulent Reynolds stresses and turbulent heat fluxes in ducts by different turbulence models. The turbulent Reynolds stresses and other turbulent flow quantities are predicted with a full Reynolds stress model (RSM). The turbulent heat fluxes are modelled by a SED concept, the GGDH and the WET methods. Two wall functions are used, one for the velocity field and one for the temperature field. All the models are implemented for an arbitrary three‐dimensional channel. Fully developed condition is achieved by imposing cyclic boundary conditions in the main flow direction. The numerical approach is based on the finite volume technique with a non‐staggered grid arrangement. The pressure–velocity coupling is handled by using the SIMPLEC‐algorithm. The convective terms are treated by the van Leer scheme while the diffusive terms are handled by the central‐difference scheme. The hybrid scheme is used for solving the ε equation. The secondary flow generation using the RSM model is compared with a non‐linear k–ε model (non‐linear eddy viscosity model). The overall comparison between the models is presented in terms of the friction factor and Nusselt number. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.