Evaluation of Turbulence Models Using Direct Numerical and Large-Eddy Simulation Data

The performance of some commonly used eddy-viscosity turbulence models has been evaluated using direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large-eddy simulation (LES) data. Two configurations have been tested, a two-dimensional boundary layer undergoing pressure-driven separation, and a square duct. The DNS and LES were used to assess the $k−ε$, $ζ−f$, $k−ω$, and Spalart–Allmaras models. For the two-dimensional separated boundary layer, anisotropic effects are not significant and the eddy-viscosity assumption works well. However, the near-wall treatment used in $k−ε$ models was found to have a critical effect on the predictive accuracy of the model (and, in particular, of separation and reattachment points). None of the wall treatments tested resulted in accurate prediction of the flow field. Better results were obtained with models that do not require special treatment in the inner layer ($ζ−f$, $k−ω$, and Spalart–Allmaras models). For the square duct calculation, only a nonlinear constitutive relation was found to be able to capture the secondary flow, giving results in agreement with the data. Linear models had significant error.