Turbulence modelling for separated flows with anisotropy-resolving closures

Abstract

This paper discusses aspects of modelling turbulent flows, featuring curvature, impingement and separation, with statistical second–moment closure and nonlinear eddy–viscosity models. Both modelling approaches are first reviewed, with particular emphasis placed on the illumination of some of the mechanisms by which the alternative model forms capture the interactions between particular types of strain and the turbulence field. As part of the review, recent modelling developments, directed especially towards the prediction of physically complex flows, are presented and discussed. Finally, the predictive performance of selected models is illustrated by way of computational solutions and related comparisons with experimental data for five flows, three two dimensional and two three dimensional, all involving separation from continuous surfaces.