Flow past a wing-body junction - Experimental evaluation of turbulence models

Abstract

Detailed three-component LDV measurements have been made in the flow of a turbulent boundary layer past an idealised wing-body junction. These measurements, which show great variety and three-dimensionality in the vortex-dominated turbulence structure of this flow, are here used to evaluate a number of turbulence models. Many of these models require or imply a relationship between the angles of the turbulence shear-stress and mean-velocity vectors. In the present flow these angles are not only different but do not follow any simple relationship. To predict the shear-stress transport equations is clearly needed. In particular, new models based on measurements are needed for the pressure-strain term. The ability of six turbulence models to predict the mean-velocity and/or turbulence kinematic energy is examined. Among the best are the Cebeci-Smith and algebraic-stress models. Other models, particularly the Johnson-King, are not well suited to this vortical flow.