Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Science and Engineering Faculty (SEF)

School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering (MMPE)

EGB424 - Advanced CFD

Assignment 1: Investigation of Turbulence models on the

Incompressible Flow over a Backward-Facing Step - 30%

Problem Definition
CFD is commonly used in industry for external aerodynamics applications, as it allows for
the understanding of flows over objects in order to better optimise shapes and thus reduce
fuel consumption for airplanes or cars, for example. As real-world shapes can be very
complex, simple geometries have been designed to investigate drag, lift, and the validity
and accuracy of CFD models. A classical configuration for external aerodynamics studies
is a backward-facing step as shown in figure 1. The sharp geometry creates a recirculation
region at the back of the step, as it can happen for the flow over a car side mirror or at
the rear of a truck or a ute.

Figure 1: Schematic of the computational domain, including boundary conditions and

dimensions (schematic not to scale)

For this type of turbulent flows, the choice of the turbulence model is critical in accu-
rately predicting the length of the separation. This assignment thus aims to investigate
the capabilities of different turbulence models available in ANSYS-CFX, namely the stan-
dard k- model, the k-ω SST model, and the BSL Reynolds Stress Model and compare
U∞ ×h
them against available experimental and DNS data obtained for Reh = ν
= 5000,
where ν, the molecular kinematic viscosity of air is assumed to be 1.5 × 10 m .s−1 at T
−5 2

= 20◦ C. The turbulence intensity is assumed at 5%. The experimental and DNS data is
available on BlackBoard.

1
TASKS
Your goal is to create the geonetry, mesh, set-up and run the simulations for comparison
against experimental and DNS data.

Your TASKS are to:

1. Present the case studied in details, including, among others, boundary conditions,
dimensions, characteristics. (2 Marks)

2. Detail the numerical set-up for the simulations. (1 Mark)

3. Using standard k- model, carry out a grid refinement study. You will present all
the structured block mesh you created with their individual characteristics. The
use of the length of the recirculation (XR ) as key parameter for the grid refinement
study may be judicious. (3 Marks)

4. Using standard k- model on the converged mesh, demonstrate that the iterative
convergence is reached. (2 Marks)

5. check the value of the yw+ value obtained on the converged mesh for each turbulence
model. Discuss. (2 Marks)

6. Using the converged mesh established in question 3., plot the step-wall skin friction
τw
coefficient Cf = 1 ρU 2 obtained on the converged mesh using the different turbulence
2 ∞
models, compare against the experimental and DNS data and discuss. (3 Marks)

7. Plot the mean streamwise velocity profiles obtained on the converged mesh using
the different turbulence models and compare against the experimental and DNS
data. (3 Marks)

8. Compare the axial velocity contour plot and streamlines for all turbulence models.
(2 Marks)

9. Compare the turbulent kinetic energy k contours for all turbulence models. (2
Marks)

10. Plot the Reynolds stress profiles u02 , v 02 , and −u0 v 0 obtained on the converged mesh
using the BSL turbulence model and compare against the experimental and DNS
data. Discuss. (3 Marks)

11. To support your discussion of the results obtained, re-run the simulations with:

• a fully developed turbulent velocity profile at the inlet

2
 • different inlet turbulence intensities (Tu = 1%, 10%) while keeping a constant
inlet velocity,

report and discuss (5 Marks)

12. Report your study at an acceptable level of quality: overall presentation structure
and language. A lab report is expected, addressing all the taks listed above.
(2 Marks)

Note: The experimental and DNS data points are available on BlackBoard, extracted
from:

1. Hung L., Moin P., Kim J., Direct numerical simulation of turbulent flow over a
backward-facing step, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, (1997), vol. 330, pp. 349-374.

2. Jovic S., Driver D. M., Backward-facing step measurements at low Reynolds number
Reh = 5000, NASA Tech. Mem. 108807 (1994).

Submission Process and Requirements

This is an individual assignment.
Your report must be submitted through SAFE ASSIGN and include the tasks of both
parts.
Deadline: Sunday 5th April 2020, 11:59pm (Week 6)