A numerical investigation of the coherent vortices in turbulence behind a backward-facing step

Abstract

This paper presents a statistical and topological study of a complex turbulent flow over a backward-facing step by means of direct and large-eddy simulations. Direct simulations are first performed for an isothermal two-dimensional case. In this case, shedding of coherent vortices in the mixing layer is demonstrated. Both direct and large-eddy simulations are then carried out in three dimensions. The subgrid-scale model used is the structure-function model proposed by Métais & Lesieur (1992). Lowstep computations corresponding to the geometry of Eaton & Johnston's (1980) laboratory experiment give turbulence statistics in better agreement with the experimental data than both Smagorinsky's method and K -ε modelling. Furthermore, calculations for a high step show that the eddy structure of the flow presents striking analogies with forced plane mixing layers: large billows are shed behind the step with intense longitudinal vortices strained between them.