Performance of RANS turulence models in predicting strained flows in a curved duct

Abstract

In this paper, we assess the performance of four RANS turbulence models in computing the averaged flow field through a curved duct. The Models studied are the standard k- e , the standard k- ? , The Reynolds Stress Model, and the v2 f model. Although the four models showed similar quantitative agreement for the tangential velocity profile with experimental measurements, it was only the v2 f model that correctly predicted the expected secondary flow pattern. Moreover, the V2f model was the only model to capture the zero turbulence kinetic energy areas in which laminarization of the flow occur.