fluent12-lecture06-turbulence_M.pptVIP

Dimensional analysis indicates that eddy viscosity can be determined if we have the necessary scales (velocity, length, etc.) For example, given the turbulence velocity scale and length scale, or velocity scale and time scale, eddy viscosity is determined and the RANS equations are closed These scales can only be prescribed for very simple flows (like fully-developed turbulent pipe flow or Couette flow). For general applications, we need to derive transport equations (PDEs) of the chosen scales in order to compute eddy viscosity Turbulent kinetic energy k (per unit mass) provides useful physical insight into the EVMs Eddy viscosity is NOT a fluid property; it is a turbulent flow characteristic. Unlike an isothermal laminar flow in which viscosity is a constant which varies with position throughout the flow field EVMs are the most widely used turbulence models for CFD. Some known limitations of the eddy viscosity concept: Isotropy assumption is built in; however, there are many flows which are highly anisotropic (flows with large streamline curvature, impingement, and highly swirling flows, etc.). Eddy viscosity models do not include dependence of the Reynolds stresses on the rate of rotation of the flow. The assumption that Reynolds stress scales with the strain-rate tensor of the mean velocity is not always valid. Over the years, many different types of turbulence models have been developed and this slide tries to show you where the turbulence models available in Fluent CFD software fit in the grand scheme of things. The various types of turbulence models are listed in the center in order of increasing sophistication or increasing inclusion of more physics (more physics is supposed to be good !?). Unfortunately, inclusion of more physics usually increases the computational cost. Engineers must find the turbulence modeling approach that satisfies their technical needs at the lowest cost! Fluent Inc. offers several state-of-the-art turbulence modeling op