Comparative study between turbulence models in curved channels

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comparative study between results obtained in two-dimensional computational simulations performed with three different turbulence models: constant viscosity; Elder Model and k˗Ꜫ Model. The simulations were performed using the software Telemac 2D. These results were compared to data obtained from a study in experimental channel with trapezoidal cross-section and composed of straight stretches and curves. The main objective of this comparison is to explore how turbulence models affect the general behavior of the simulated flow. To support these comparisons, statistical analysis were adopted to quantify the differences between the velocity fields obtained in the simulations and that observed in the experimental channel. The results showed that, despite the theoretical limitations, the use of the simpler turbulence closure model, that is the constant turbulent viscosity, can lead to results as good as or better than those obtained with more sophisticated models.