Evaluation of RANS turbulence models for flow problems with signigicant impact of boundary layers

Abstract: This master’s thesis was provided by the Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI. The task is to test several RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes) models on two different case geometries and compare the results with LES and experimental data. The first is two dimensional, constructed for flow separation at a sharp edge. The second is three dimensional and flow separation occurs at a smooth surface. The models tested are implemented in the open source CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) program, OpenFOAM. OpenFOAM uses the finite volume method and the SIMPLE algorithm as solution procedure. The main flow features evaluated is the shape, position and size of the flow separation. Most of the models tested have problems describing the complex dynamics of flow separation in these particular cases. In addition to the simulations, the RANS k-epsilon turbulence model is presented and the RANS equations and the equation for the turbulent kinetic energy are derived from the Navier-Stokes equations. The theory behind wall functions is described and these equations together with the equations in the k-epsilon model are compared with the equations implemented in OpenFOAM.