Heat transfer modeling for turbulent shear flows on curved surfaces

This paper examines two models for two-dimensional curved flow heat transfer. Both models are based on the assumption of local-equilibrium turbulence. Yet, one model predicts an increase for the turbulent Prandtl number with convex curvature, while the other gives the opposite behavior. Through examination of the near wall temperature profiles, it is possible to identify the correct behavior for turbulent Prandtl number. It is found that the turbulent Prandtl number for curved flows increases with convex curvature. The discrepancy between the two models is traced to the modeling terms proposed for the pressure-temperature-gradient correlation and for wall corrections. While the introduction of the "rapid" component and the wall corrections in the modeling of the pressure-strain correlation do not affect the behavior of the resultant shear stress, these modeling terms in the pressure-temperature-gradient correlation cause the turbulent Prandtl number to decrease with convex curvature.