Eddy Viscosity Transport Equations and Their Relation to the k-ε Model

Abstract

A formalism will be presented which allows transforming two-equation eddy viscosity turbulence models into one-equation models. The transformation is based on Bradshaw’s assumption that the turbulent shear stress is proportional to the turbulent kinetic energy. This assumption is supported by experimental evidence for a large number of boundary layer flows and has led to improved predictions when incorporated into two-equation models of turbulence. Based on it, a new one-equation turbulence model will be derived from the k-ε model. The model will be tested against the one-equation model of Baldwin and Barth, which is also derived from the k-ε model (plus additional assumptions) and against its parent two-equation model. It will be shown that the assumptions involved in the derivation of the Baldwin-Barth model cause significant problems at the edge of a turbulent layer.