Predictions on Wall Pressure Fluctuations for a Backward-Facing Step

Abstract

Time-mean flow fields and turbulent flow characteristics obtained from solving the Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations with a k-ε turbulence model are used to predict the frequency spectrum of wall-pressure fluctuations for flow past a backward facing step. The linear source term of the governing fluctuating pressure equation is used in deriving the final double integration formula for the fluctuating wall pressure. The integrand includes the RANS mean-velocity gradient, modeled turbulence normal fluctuation, Green’s function and the spectral model for the interplane correlation. An anisotropic distribution of the turbulent kinetic energy is implemented using a function named anisotropic factor. This function represents a ratio of the turbulent normal Reynolds stress to the turbulent kinetic energy and is developed based on an equilibrium turbulent flow or flows with zero streamwise pressure gradient. The spectral correlation model for predicting the wall-pressure fluctuations is obtained through modeling of the streamwise and spanwise wavenumber spectra. The non-linear source term in the original governing equation is considered following the conclusion of Kim’s direct numerical simulation (DNS) study. Predictions of frequency spectra for the reattachment flow past a backward facing step (BFS) are investigated to verify the validity of the current modeling. Detailed turbulence features and wall-pressure spectra for the flow in the reattachment region of the BFS are predicted and discussed. The prediction results based on different modeling characteristics and flow physics agree with the observed turbulence field.