Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of compressible mixing layers of similar and dissimilar gases: Performance of k–ɛ turbulence model

Abstract

The issue of growth rate reduction of high speed mixing layer with convective Mach number is examined for similar and dissimilar gases using Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methodology with k–ɛ turbulence model. It is observed that the growth rate predicted using RANS simulations closely matches with that predicted using model free simulations. Velocity profiles do not depend on the modelled value of Prt and Sct; while the temperature and species mass fraction distributions depend heavily on them. Although basic k–ɛ turbulence model could not capture the reduced growth rate for the mixing layer formed between similar gases, it predicts very well the reduced growth rate for the mixing layer for the dissimilar gases. It appears that density ratio changes caused by temperature changes for the dissimilar gases have profound effect on the growth rate reduction.