Application of the Turbulent Potential Model to Unsteady Flows and Three‐Dimensional Boundary Layers

Abstract

The turbulent potential model is a Reynolds‐averaged (RANS) turbulence model that is theoretically capable of capturing nonequilibrium turbulent flows at a computational cost and complexity comparable to two‐equation models. The ability of the turbulent potential model to predict nonequilibrium turbulent flows accurately is evaluated in this work. The flow in a spanwise‐driven channel flow and over a swept bump are used to evaluate the turbulent potential model′s ability to predict complex three‐dimensional boundary layers. Results of turbulent vortex shedding behind a triangular and a square cylinder are also presented in order to evaluate the model′s ability to predict unsteady flows. Early indications suggest that models of this type may be capable of significantly enhancing current numerical predictions of turbomachinery components at little extra computational cost or additional code complexity.