Numerical investigation of turbulent swirling channel flows

A numerical analysis is carried out for the development of turbulent flow in a channel, using two mathematical models of turbulence, proposed by Launder and Spalding (1972). These models are found to yield identical results. The calculated averaged-velocity and turbulent-energy distributions are compared with experimental data for swirling and nonswirling flows. Good agreement is established, with the exception of data for turbulent energy at distances between z/r = 25 and z/r = 60. This discrepancy is tentatively attributed to the neglect of the instability mechanisms of rotating flows in the models. It is shown that rotation leads to the generation of turbulent energy in the inlet section and to an increase in turbulent viscosity.