Simulating Boundary Layer Transition With Low-Reynolds-Number k–ε Turbulence Models: Part 2—An Approach to Improving the Predictions

Abstract

An approach for improving the prediction of boundary layer transition with k–ε type low-Reynolds-number turbulence models is developed and tested. A modification is proposed that limits the production term in the turbulent kinetic energy equation and is based on a simple stability criterion and correlated to the free-stream turbulence level. The modification becomes inactive in the fully turbulent regime, but is shown to improve both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the transition predictions. Although the approach is not limited to a particular low-Reynolds-number model, it is implemented herein using the model of Lam and Bremhorst (1981).