Numerical analysis of attached turbulent boundary layers along strongly curved surfaces

The problem of steady incompressible turbulent flow past two-dimensional or axisymmetric bodies with strong longitudinal and transverse curvature effects is solved numerically for the region where the streamlines stay approximately parallel to the wall. Although predictive computer simulation models for such flow systems exist, published simulation results fall short in matching measured local and integral properties of thick turbulent boundary layers. The main reason for the observed discrepancies lies in the use of inappropriate modeling equations. The computer simulation results based on a new set of higher-order boundary-layer equations with zero-equation turbulence model are in excellent agreement with experimental observations for two different afterbodies.