An assessment of turbulence models applied to the simulation of a two-dimensional submerged jet

This paper is concerned with the investigation of the performance of different turbulence models in the numerical prediction of transient flow caused by a confined submerged jet. Several widely used models, i.e., the standard k–ε, RNG k–ε, low Reynolds number k–ε models and the differential Reynolds stress model, as included in CFD codes, were compared with each other for a two-dimensional, incompressible, turbulent jet flow and with reported experimental data. A flapping oscillation was predicted regardless of the model used. A chosen Strouhal (St) number definition brought the fundamental frequencies from both the experiments and computations into close proximity. However, different turbulence models have exhibited quite different behaviours in terms of the frequency and regularity of the oscillation and in terms of the scale and duration of the vortices generated. All versions of the k–ε model yielded regular oscillations, which agree with experimental observations. On the other hand, the Reynolds stress (RS) model produced a complex pattern but a slower dissipation of vortices. In addition, some aspects of gridding and inflow representation are also discussed.     

Assessment of an Eulerian CFD model for prediction of dilute droplet dispersion in a turbulent jet

The turbulent dispersion of non-evaporating droplets in an axisymmetric round jet issuing from a nozzle is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental data set has a well-defined inlet boundary with low turbulence intensity at the nozzle exit, so that droplet dispersion is not affected by the transport of nozzle-generated fluctuating motion into the jet, and is influenced solely by turbulence in the gas phase produced in the shear layer of the jet. This data set is thus ideal for testing algebraic models of droplet fluctuating motion that assume local equilibrium with the turbulence in the gas phase. Moreover, the droplet flux measurements are sufficiently accurate that conservation of the total volume flow of the droplet phase has been demonstrated. A two-fluid turbulence modelling approach is adopted, which uses the k–ε turbulence model and a simple algebraic model that assumes local equilibrium to predict the fluid and droplet turbulent correlations, respectively. We have shown that the k–ε turbulence model lacks generality for predicting the spread of momentum in jets with and without a potential core. However, in general, the model predicts the radial dispersion of droplets in the considered turbulent jet with reasonable accuracy over a broad range of droplet sizes, once deficiencies in the k–ε turbulence model are taken into account.     

Numerical study of turbulent diesel flow in a pipe with sudden expansion

Three two-equation models and a second-moment closure are implemented in the case of turbulent diesel flow in a pipe with sudden expansion. The chosen two-equation closures are: the standard k–ε, the RNG k–ε and the two-scale k–ε models. The performance of the models is investigated with regard to the non-equilibrium parameter η and the mean strain of the flow, S. Velocity and turbulence kinetic energy predictions of the different models are compared among themselves and with experimental data and are interpreted on the basis of the aforementioned quantities. The effect of more accurate near-wall modeling to the two-equation models is also investigated. The results of the study demonstrate the superiority of the second-moment closure in predicting the flow characteristics over the entire domain. From the two-equation models the RNG derived k–ε model also gave very good predictions, especially when non-equilibrium wall-functions were implemented. As far as η and S are concerned, only the closures with greater physical consistency, such as the two-scale k–ε model, give satisfactory results.     

Numerical modeling of turbulence-induced interfacial instability in two-phase flow with moving interface

The present paper introduces a new interfacial marker-level set method (IMLS) which is coupled with the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations to predict the turbulence-induced interfacial instability of two-phase flow with moving interface. The governing RANS equations for time-dependent, axisymmetric and incompressible two-phase flow are described in both phases and solved separately using the control volume approach on structured cell-centered collocated grids. The transition from one phase to another is performed through a consistent balance of kinematic and dynamic conditions on the interface separating the two phases. The topological changes of the interface are predicted by applying the level set approach. By fitting a number of interfacial markers on the intersection points of the computational grids with the interface, the interfacial stresses and consequently, the interfacial driving forces are easily estimated. Moreover, the normal interface velocity, calculated at the interfacial markers positions, can be extended to the higher dimensional level set function and used for the interface advection process. The performance of linear and non-linear two-equation k–ε turbulence models is investigated in the context of the considered two-phase flow impinging problem, where a turbulent gas jet impinging on a free liquid surface. The numerical results obtained are evaluated through the comparison with the available experimental and analytical data. The nonlinear turbulence model showed superiority in predicting the interface deformation resulting from turbulent normal stresses. However, both linear and nonlinear turbulence models showed a similar behavior in predicting the interface deformation due to turbulent tangential stresses. In general, the developed IMLS numerical method showed a remarkable capability in predicting the dynamics of the considered two-phase immiscible flow problems and therefore it can be applied to quite a number of interface stability problems.     

Comparison of turbulence models in simulating swirling pipe flows

Swirling flow is a common phenomenon in engineering applications. A numerical study of the swirling flow inside a straight pipe was carried out in the present work with the aid of the commercial CFD code fluent. Two-dimensional simulations were performed, and two turbulence models were used, namely, the RNG k–ε model and the Reynolds stress model. Results at various swirl numbers were obtained and compared with available experimental data to determine if the numerical method is valid when modeling swirling flows. It has been shown that the RNG k–ε model is in better agreement with experimental velocity profiles for low swirl, while the Reynolds stress model becomes more appropriate as the swirl is increased. However, both turbulence models predict an unrealistic decay of the turbulence quantities for the flows considered here, indicating the inadequacy of such models in simulating developing pipe flows with swirl.     

Numerical simulation of UV disinfection reactors: Evaluation of alternative turbulence models

Six turbulence models, including standard k–ε, k–ε RNG, k–ω (88), revised k–ω (98), Reynolds stress transport model (RSTM), and two-fluid model (TFM), were applied to the simulation of a closed conduit polychromatic UV reactor. Predicted flow field and turbulent kinetic energy were compared with the experimental data from a digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV). All of the predicted flow fields were combined with a multiple segment source summation (MSSS) fluence rate model and three different microbial response kinetic models to simulate the disinfection process at two UV lamp power conditions. Microbial transport was simulated using the Lagrangian particle tracking method. The results show that the fluence distributions and the effluent inactivation levels were sensitive to the turbulence model selection. The level of sensitivity was a function of the operating conditions and the UV response kinetics of the microorganisms. Simulations with operating conditions that produced higher log inactivation or utilized microorganisms with higher UV sensitivity showed greater sensitivity to the turbulence model selection. In addition, a broader fluence distribution was found with turbulence models that predicted a larger wake region behind the lamps.     

Computational fluid dynamics modelling of gas jets impinging onto liquid pools

Gas jets impinging onto a gas–liquid interface of a liquid pool are studied using computational fluid dynamics modelling, which aims to obtain a better understanding of the behaviour of the gas jets used metallurgical engineering industry. The gas and liquid flows are modelled using the volume of fluid technique. The governing equations are formulated using the density and viscosity of the “gas–liquid mixture”, which are described in terms of the phase volume fraction. Reynolds averaging is applied to yield a set of Reynolds-averaged conservation equations for the mass and momentum, and the k–ε turbulence model. The deformation of the gas–liquid interface is modelled by the pressure jump across the interface via the Young–Laplace equation. The governing equations in the axisymmetric cylindrical coordinates are solved using the commercial CFD code, FLUENT. The computed results are compared with experimental and theoretical data reported in the literature. The CFD modelling allows the simultaneous evaluation of the gas flow field, the free liquid surface and the bulk liquid flow, and provides useful insight to the highly complex, and industrially significant flows in the jetting system.     

Simulation of round jets with nozzle-dependent inflow conditions using the k−ε turbulence model

In view of the “round jet initial condition anomaly”, discussed in literature, we investigate the effect of inflow conditions resulting from the use of different nozzle geometries to form the jet. RANS simulations in the framework of OpenFOAM using the k − ε turbulence model are performed. As the standard model coefficient C_ε1 = 1.44 is known to overpredict spreading rates for round jets, a value of C_ε1 = 1.6 was recommended for this case already in the 1970's. While this works well for jets issuing from long pipes, it does not give satisfactory results for other nozzle geometries. To overcome this deficiency while keeping the k − ε model, we suggest modified coefficients C_ε1 based on profiles of mean flow and turbulence at the nozzle exit. We determine optimal values of C_ε1 for three different nozzle geometries, and test them at various Reynolds numbers. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

CFD of turbulent transport of particles behind a backward-facing step using a new model—k-ε-Sp

The k-ε-S_p model, describing two-dimensional gas–solid two-phase turbulent flow, has been developed. In this model, the diffusion flux and slip velocity of solid particles are introduced to represent the particle motion in two-phase flow. Based on this model, the gas–solid two-phase turbulent flow behind a vertical backward-facing step is simulated numerically and the turbulent transport velocities of solid particles with high density behind the step are predicted. The numerical simulation is validated by comparing the results of the numerical calculation with two other two-phase turbulent flow models (k-ε-A_p, k-ε-k_p) by Laslandes and the experimental measurements. This model, not only has the same virtues of predicting the longitudinal transport of the solid particles as the present practical two-phase flow models, but also can predict the lateral transport of the solid particles correctly.     

Modelling gas injection of a Peirce–Smith-converter

A commercial CFD-code PHOENICS was used to solve isothermal flow field of gas and liquid in a Peirce–Smith-converter. An Euler–Euler based algorithm was chosen for modelling fluid dynamics and evaluating controlling forces of a submerged gas injection. Predictions were made with a k–ε turbulence model in the body fitted coordinate system. The model has been verified with a 1/4 scale water model, and a parametric study with the mathematical model of submerged gas injection was made for the PS-process and the ladle injection processes. Limits of the modelling technique used were recognised, but calculated results indicate that the present model predicts the general flow field with reasonable accuracy. Predicted bubble distribution, pattern of the flow field and magnitude of flow velocities were used to evaluate scaling factors of physical models and general flow conditions of an industrial PS-converter.     

Turbulent flow around single concentric long capsule in a pipe

A numerical solution was developed for the equations governing the turbulent flow around single concentric long capsule in a pipe. First, a turbulence model was established for the concentric annulus between the capsule and the pipe to simulate the flow as axi-symmetric, two dimensional, steady flow without edge effect. Second, the same case was considered taking into account the edge effect. Finally, turbulence modelling was established to simulate the case as a three dimensional steady flow, with a view of investigating the validity of axi-symmetric flow assumption. Three different turbulence models were used: an algebraic model (Baldwin–Lomax model) and two types of two-equation models (k–ε and k–ω). Obtained results of pressure gradient along the capsule were compared with available experimental data to verify the used models. In addition, experimental data of the velocity profiles of other investigators were also used in this concern. The results predicted by the three different turbulence models were shown to agree well with the experimental data, though precision differed from one to another.     

Computational study of decaying annular vortex flow using the Rε/k − ε turbulence model

In this article, we present three dimensional CFD study of turbulent vortex flow in an annular passage using OpenFOAM 1.6. The vortex flow is generated by introducing the flow through a tangential entry to the passage. For the analysis presented in this article, turbulence was modeled using the R_ε/k − ε model, in addition, a comparison between such model with the standard k − ε model was conducted and discussed. The main characteristics of the flow such as vortex structure and recirculation zone were investigated. It was found that flow is subjected to Rankine vortex structure with three forced vortex regimes and a free vortex region near to the outer wall. The phenomenon of vortex decay was investigated by depicting the swirl number trend along the axial direction of the flow domain. It was found that the vortex decay is subjected to an exponential decay behavior. New coefficients for the exponential decay correlation were derived based on local values of velocity components in different radial planes.     

A 3D non-linear k–ε turbulent model for prediction of flow and mass transport in channel with vegetation

The results from a 3D non-linear k–ε turbulence model with vegetation are presented to investigate the flow structure, the velocity distribution and mass transport process in a straight compound open channel and a curved open channel. The 3D numerical model for calculating flow is set up in non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinates in order to calculate the complex boundary channel. The finite volume method is used to disperse the governing equations and the SIMPLEC algorithm is applied to acquire the coupling of velocity and pressure. The non-linear k–ε turbulent model has good useful value because of taking into account the anisotropy and not increasing the computational time. The water level of this model is determined from 2D Poisson equation derived from 2D depth-averaged momentum equations. For concentration simulation, an expression for dispersion through vegetation is derived in the present work for the mixing due to flow over vegetation. The simulated results are in good agreement with available experimental data, which indicates that the developed 3D model can predict the flow structure and mass transport in the open channel with vegetation.     

Stability and non-normality of the k-ε equations

The analytical and numerical solutions of the equations of the k-ε turbulence model are analyzed. Under certain conditions on the boundary values and the interior values of k and ε the analytical and numerical solutions are bounded. If the steady state solution is obtained numerically by a Runge-Kutta time-stepping method, then severe constraints on the time-step and the non-normality of the jacobian matrix make the convergence very slow. The simplifications and conclusions are supported by data from a numerical solution of flow over a flat plate.     

Numerical evaluation of the suppression effect of a free-to-rotate triangular fairing on the vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder

The suppression of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a circular cylinder with a free-to-rotate triangular fairing in the Reynolds number range of Re = 1100–6100 is numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model coupled with an improved fourth-order Runge–Kutta method are used to solve the wake flow, the structure's vibration, and the fairing's rotation. The computational model is validated with the available experimental results for a cylinder with an attached short-tail fairing. The numerical results indicate that the triangular fairing has a positive role in suppressing vibration when it achieves a stable position deflected from the flow direction. The suppression effect is sensitive to the incoming flow velocity. The fairing shifts from a stable state to an unstable one when the flow velocity varies. Therefore, maintaining the hydrodynamic stability of the fairing is the key to achieving success in vibration suppression, and the stability is dependent on the characteristic length and the rotational friction. Although the strong flapping of the 70° triangular fairing excites a more vigorous vibration, it may be used as an amplifier of VIV for energy harvesting.     

Coherent structure in flow over a slitted bluff body

The focus of the present investigation is resolution of the coherent structure in the near wake behind a slitted bluff body. The bluff body is two-dimensional with gap ratio from 0.12 to 0.48. The evolution of the structure was numerically investigated using the renormalization group (RNG) k–ε model at Reynolds number of 470,000. Two types of coherent structure are identified: At low gap ratio 0.12, the structure is characterized by a flip–flopping gap flow; at high ratio 0.22–0.48, the gap flow deflects to one side with an asymmetrical wake. The coherent structure is divided by the gap flow into two zones called the primary recirculation zone and the secondary recirculation zone. The coherent structure is intimately related to the gap ratio, and the structure of small gap ratio is different from that of large gap ratio because the interaction between two zones relates to the gap ratio. To explain the vortex shedding, a mechanism that single vortex of large size suddenly immerses between two shear layers was proposed. Experimental results using point-to-point method and particle-image velocimetry (PIV) measurements in a close wind tunnel were also carried out to confirm the observation from the numerical study. The evidence shows that the numerical results are of good agreement with the experiments. The comparison between the RNG k–ε model and the large eddy simulation also indicates that the RNG k–ε model is adequate in computing the bluff body flow.     

Derivation of the k–ε model for locally homogeneous turbulence by homogenization techniques

We derive the incompressible and compressible k–ε model for locally homogeneous turbulence. The model is rigorously derived on formal mathematical grounds using the MPP modelling technique. This lets us calculate by either analytical or numerical means the closure constants of the model. To cite this article: T. Chacón Rebollo, D. Franco Coronil, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 337 (2003).     

An assessment of streamline curvature effects on the mixing region of a turbulent plane jet in crossflow

The flow field of a turbulent plane jet in a weak or moderate crossflow, which is characterised by mild streamline curvature, has been investigated computationally. The values of the jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios chosen are 6, 9 and 10. The time-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved on a staggered Cartesian grid using the standard k–ϵ model and the k–ϵ model with streamline curvature modification. The predictions using both the models are compared with available experimental data. It has been shown that by accounting for the effect of streamline curvature in the k–ϵ model results in good prediction of this flow configuration.     

Simulation and experiment on standoff distance affecting gas flow in laser cutting

A three-dimensional axial symmetrical model of laser cutting is established by adopting N–S equation and RNG k–ε onflow model in the paper, and numerical simulation is put up to analyze the flow field of shield gas in cutting slot. The investigation reveals the law about how standoff distance affects the dynamic characteristic of gas jet in cutting process, and the distribution of pressure and velocity of gas jet with different standoff distances are shown in the study. Two typical subsonic nozzles are designed for the laser cutting experiment. At the end of the paper experimental results are compared with the numerical simulation results.     

Existence and positivity of a system k-ε with a production term of the Rayleigh-Taylor type

In this paper, we study a modelization of the turbulence which allows us to have a control on the positivity of the kinetic turbulence energy k and the dissipation growth rate of the energy ε. We use for that purpose the maximum principle on a new system modelling the turbulence, written on the variables θ and φ first introduced by Lewandowski (θ = k/ε, φ = ε²/k³).Estimates on θ and φ are given for a turbulent system with a Rayleigh-Taylor type term under a hypothesis of low compressibility of the mean flow, which is more general than the hypothesis of Lewandowski.In a second part, we study a simpler convection diffusion system (the diffusion is a constant) in which there is still the Rayleigh-Taylor term. We show that the presence of this term gives greater solutions of the k, ε system, hence proving that these terms are turbulent kinetic energy production terms.