Comparison of near-wall treatment methods for high Reynolds number backward-facing step flow

A comparison of near-wall treatment methods using different turbulence models for flow over a backward-facing step is presented. A Reynolds number ( Re ) of about 38,000 ( U 8 = 44.2 m/s), based on the step height and the mean stream velocity, was considered. An appropriate near-wall treatment method is critical to the choice of turbulence model used to predict wall-bounded flow. Predictions were obtained by applying standard wall functions, non-equilibrium wall functions and a two-layer model with six different turbulence models. These results were compared with data by Driver and Seegmiller (Backward-facing step with inclined opposite wall-experiments by driver and seegmiller, 1985a, http://cfd.me.umist.ac.uk/ercoftac [2003, Jan 31]). Non-equilibrium wall functions with modified k - e models predicted the closest reattachment length. However, the two-layer model gave results more representative of the entire flow pattern. The predictions show that a proper combination of turbulence models and near-wall treatment methods give reliable results.