A Comparative Study of Two Transition Zone Models in Heat Transfer Predictions

Abstract

A comparative study of two transition zone models was carried out to assess their ability to simulate boundary layer laminar-turbulent transition. Transition modeling is based on the use of an algebraic equation for the intermittency distribution. The crucial difference between the models lies in the nondimensional breakdown rate formulation. A two-dimensional marching code was used to combine these models with the modified Johnson and King turbulence model and the algebraic “nonturbulence” model developed earlier. Flat plate and various turbine blade heat transfer measurements were used in the comparison. One model gave reasonably accurate results for most of the test cases considered.