A new simpler rotation/curvature correction method for Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model

Abstract A new and much simpler rotation and curvature effects factor, which takes the form of Richardson number suggested by Hellsten originally for SST k–ω model, is presented for Spalart and Shur’s rotation and curvature correction in the context of Spalart–Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. The new factor excludes the Lagrangian derivative of the strain rate tensor that exists in the SARC model, resulting in a simple, efficient and easy-to-implement approach for SA turbulence model (denoted as SARCM) to account for the effects of system rotation and curvature, techniquely. And then the SARCM is tested through turbulent curved wall flows: one is the flow over a zero-pressure-gradient curved wall and the other is the channel flow in a duct with a U-turn. Predictions of the SARCM model are compared with experimental data and with the results obtained using original SA and SARC models. The numerical results show that SARCM can predict the rotation–curvature effects as accurately as SARC, but considerably more efficiently. Additionally, the accuracy of SARCM might strongly depend on the rotation–curvature model constants. Suggesting values for those constants are given, after some trials and errors.