Mean Velocity Prediction and Evaluation of k-E Models in Turbulent Diffuser Flows

Abstract

Eight decreasing adverse pressure gradient flows, and the similar regions of an initially increasing adverse pressure gradient flow, are examined in terms of the two experimentally observed half-power regions. The existing semi-empirical and analytical mean velocity profiles are examined and their range of applicability is determined in terms of the ratio of outer to inner half-power slopes. Three variations of the k-e model of turbulence are evaluated in terms of how well they predict the turbulence field in an eight degree conical diffuser. The model of Nagano and Tagawa (1990) is seen to be superior to the others. It is possible for Nagano and Tagawa’s model to yield reasonable prediction of k and E because they implemented the Hanjalic and Launder (1980) modification for the irrotational strains. However, the k-e models prediction of the Reynolds stresses is poor.