Numerical Investigation by Cut-Cell Approach for Turbulent Flow through an Expanded Wall Channel

Abstract

The expanded wall channel backward-facing step (BFS) and axisymmetric diffuser plays an important role in the society of fluid dynamics. Using a cut-cell technique is an established new method to treat the inclined wall of an axisymmetric diffuser. Cut-cell handle to reach the shape of the inclined wall, an axisymmetric diffuser and complex geometry. It helps treat the boundary condition at the wall in an accurate physical way. The turbulent flow through the geometries is solved by using Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) with the standard k-ε model. A self-built FOTRAN code based on the finite volume method with the Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm for pressure velocity coupling is established and examined with published experimental data for two different geometries backward-facing step (BFS) and axisymmetric diffuser. The results of the new technique reflect good agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data. A parametric study of the impact of area ratios (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5) in a backward-facing step on pressure, velocity, and turbulent kinetic energy. The angles (7°, 10°, 14°) and area ratios (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5) effect of an axisymmetric diffuser on the streamlines, local skin friction, pressure, velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and separation zone.