Systematic Comparison of Mathematically Simple Turbulence Models for Three-Dimensional Boundary Layers

The paper presents a systematic comparison of some widely used turbulence models with one another and with experiments. The mathematically simplest models applicable to three-dimensi onal steady, incompressible boundary layers are of primary interest. Besides the more widely used algebraic formulations, models using simplified transport equations for turbulence quantities, such as the Johnson-King model, are considered. These models are applied to a variety of well-establis hed two-dimensional and three-dimensional test cases, for which accurate and reliable experimental data are available. To avoid differences associated with different numerical integration procedures, all models have been used with the same finite difference method especially developed for this purpose. This method solves the first-order boundary-layer equations written in terms of streamline coordinates. One broad conclusion of this study is that all models considered give reasonable predictions for the gross boundary-layer parameters, but important differences become apparent for certain local values. Specific recommendations for the choice of turbulence model in practical applications are included.