Simulation and modelling of a skewed turbulent channel flow

A time-dependent three-dimensionally skewed flow is investigated using direct numerical simulations of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The effect on the instantaneous and mean turbulent field is investigated. Instantaneous flowfields reveal that the skewing has the effect of initially reducing the strength and height of quasi-streamwise vortices of both signs of rotation with respect to the skewing. A mechanism for this process is put forward. The mean flowfields show drops in turbulence quantities such as turbulence kinetic energy. In addition to this, two-equation turbulence modelling of the flow is carried out. This highlights a deficiency, in that the standard turbulence models are unable to capture the drop in turbulence intensity due to the skewing. A modification based on the exact dissipation equation is found to significantly improve the model behaviour for this flow.