Application of non-linear turbulence models in an engine-type flow configuration

Abstract

Three non-linear k-ε models were implemented into the multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics code GMTEC with the purpose of comparing them with existing linear k-ε models including renormalization group variations. The primary focus of the present study is to evaluate the potential of these non-linear models in engineering applications such as the internal combustion engine. The square duct flow and the backwards-facing step flow were two simple test cases chosen for which experimental data are available for comparison. Successful simulations for these cases were followed by simulations of an engine-type intake flow to evaluate the performance of the non-linear models in comparison with experimental data and the standard linear k-ε models as well as two renormalization group types. All the non-linear models are found to be an improvement over the standard linear model, but mostly in simple flows. For more complex flows, such as the engine-type case, only the cubic non-linear models appear to make a modest improvement in the mean flow but without any improvement in the root-mean-square values. These improvements are overshadowed by the stiffness of the cubic models and the requirements for smaller time steps. The contributions of each non-linear term to the Reynolds stress tensor are analysed in detail in order to identify the different characteristics of the different non-linear models for engine intake flows.