Simulation of a Density Current Turbulent Flow Employing Di erent RANS Models: A Comparison Study

Abstract

Abstract. The accuracy of Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models to predict the behavior of 2-D density currents has been examined. In this work, a steady density current is simulated by the k ???? ", k ???? " RNG, two-layer k ???? " and modi ed 2 ???? f model, all of which are compared with the experimental data. Density currents, with a uniform velocity and concentration, enter a channel via a sluice gate into a lighter ambient uid and move forward down-slope. The eddy-viscosity concept cannot accurately simulate this ow because of two stress production structures found within it. Results show that all isotropic models have a weak outcome on this current, but by improving the ability of the models, the results will improve.