A Reynolds-Stress Model for Near-Wall and Low-Reynolds-Number Regions

Abstract

The Reynolds stress model for high Reynolds numbers proposed by Launder et al. is extended to near-wall and low-Reynolds-number regions. In the development of the model, particular attention is given to the high anisotropy of turbulent stresses in the immediate vicinity of a wall and to the behavior of the exact stress equation at the wall. A transport model for the turbulence energy dissipation rate is also developed by taking into account its compatibility with the stress model at the wall. The model and the low-Reynolds-number model of Hanjali’c and Launder are applied to fully-developed pipe flow. Comparison of the numerical results with Laufer’s data shows that the present model gives significantly improved predictions. In particular, the present model is shown to reproduce the sharp peak in the distribution of the streamwise turbulence intensity in the immediate vicinity of the wall.