Evaluation of RANS Models in Predicting Low Reynolds, Free, Turbulent Round Jet

Abstract

In order to study the flow behavior of multiple jets, numerical prediction of the threedimensional domain of round jets from the nozzle edge up to the turbulent region is essential. The previous numerical studies on the round jet are limited to either twodimensional investigation with Reynoldsaveraged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models or threedimensional prediction with higher turbulence models such as large eddy simulation (LES) or direct numerical simulation (DNS). The present study tries to evaluate different RANS turbulence models in the threedimensional simulation of the whole domain of an isothermal, low Re (Re = 2125, 3461, and 4555), free, turbulent round jet. For this evaluation the simulation results from two twoequation (low Re kة› and low Re shear stress transport (SST) kد‰), a transition threeequation (kklد‰), and a transition fourequation (SST) eddyviscosity turbulence models are compared with hotwire anemometry measurements. Due to the importance of providing correct inlet boundary conditions, the inlet velocity profile, the turbulent kinetic energy (k), and its specific dissipation rate (د‰) at the nozzle exit have been employed from an earlier verified numerical simulation. Twoequation RANS models with low Reynolds correction can predict the whole domain (initial, transition, and fully developed regions) of the round jet with prescribed inlet boundary conditions. The transition models could only reach to a good agreement with the measured mean axial velocities and its rms in the initial region. It worth mentioning that the round jet anomaly is still present in the turbulent region of the round jet predicted by the low Re kة›. By comparing the k and the د‰ predicted by different turbulence models, the blending functions in the crossdiffusion term is found one of the reasons behind the more consistent prediction by the low Re SST kد‰.