VMFL027: Turbulent Flow Over a Backward-Facing Step

Overview
Reference D.M. Driver, H.L. Seegmiller, "Features of a Reattaching Turbulent Shear Layer in
Divergent Channel Flow". AIAA Journal,Vol 23, pp. 163-171, 1985
Solver ANSYS Fluent
Physics/Models 2-D turbulent flow with separation and reattachment, realizable k-ε model
Input File drivseeg-rke-neqwf.cas

Test Case
Turbulent flow over a backward facing step is modeled. The flow separates at the step and reattaches
on the wall downstream, enclosing a region of recirculation. The inlet is at 4 H upstream and the outlet
at 30 H downstream from the location of the step, where H is the step height. Reynolds number based
on the step-height is about 37,400.

Figure 27.1: Flow Domain

Inlet Outlet

Step

Table 27.1: Materials, Geometry, and Boundary Conditions

Material Properties Geometry Boundary Conditions

Density : 1 kg/m3 Step height = 1m Inlet velocity specified as fully de-
veloped turbulent velocity profile
Viscosity: 0.0001 Total length of the channel
kg/m-s = 34 m

Height of the channel = 9 m

Analysis Assumptions and Modeling Notes

The flow is steady. Realizable k-ε model was used to model turbulence.

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VMFL027

Results Comparison for ANSYS Fluent

Figure 27.2: Comparison of Skin Friction Coefficient Along the Wall

Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
90 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.