A finite element analysis of incompressible turbulent backstep flow with heat transfer

The finite-element method is investigated as a means of simulating incompressible turbulent flow with heat transfer. The governing equations include the complete two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations expressed in terms of primitive variables. The turbulent viscosity is determined by a two-equation (k-epsilon) model of turbulence. Both high-Reynolds-number and low-Reynolds-number forms of the two-equation model are considered. The formulation is first tested in a fully developed channel-flow geometry. Although the high-Reynolds-number turbulence model is found to be incompatible with the current numerical scheme, good results are obtained using the low-Reynolds-number model. The formulation is then applied successfully to flow past a confined backward-facing step. The results of the current calculations are compared with experimental data and a variety of other computational results.