Reynolds flux modeling; new numerical insights into inclined dense jets

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a more detailed representation of the scalar flux modeling (SFM) approach for modeling turbulent inclined negatively buoyant jets. The SFM approach addresses the limitations of eddy viscosity models in terms of the mean concentration field and turbulent scalar flux within the context of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes modeling. In this study, the contribution of the involved terms in the transport equation of the turbulent scalar flux vector was evaluated, and the geometrical and mixing parameters of concentration and velocity of 45 inclined negatively buoyant jets were verified. The SFM approach, along with the required modification for momentum flux modeling, was implemented in OpenFOAM v6. Results showed that the SFM approach can accurately predict mixing parameters due to the complex interactions between different turbulence contributors of the flow involved in the model. In comparison to simpler approaches, such as gradient-type models, that only correlate the gradient of the scalar field with turbulence, the SFM approach’s capability to predict mixing parameters is significantly higher.