Development and validation of a non-linear k-ε model for flow over a full-scale building

At present the most popular turbulence models used for engineering solutions to flow problems are the and Reynolds stress models. The shortcoming of these models based on the isotropic eddy viscosity concept and Reynolds averaging in flow fields of the type found in the field of Wind Engineering are well documented. In view of these shortcomings this paper presents the implementation of a non-linear model and its evaluation for flow around a building. Tests were undertaken using the classical bluff body shape, a surface mounted cube, with orientations both normal and skewed at to the incident wind. Full-scale investigations have been undertaken at the Silsoe Research Institute with a 6 m surface mounted cube and a fetch of roughness height equal to 0.01 m. All tests were originally undertaken for a number of turbulence models including the standard, RNG and MMK models and the differential stress model. The sensitivity of the CFD results to a number of solver parameters was tested. The accuracy of the turbulence model used was deduced by comparison to the full-scale predicted roof and wake recirculation zone lengths. Mean values of the predicted pressure coefficients were used to further validate the turbulence models. Preliminary comparisons have also been made with available published experimental and large eddy simulation data. Initial investigations suggested that a suitable turbulence model should be able to model the anisotropy of turbulent flow such as the Reynolds stress model whilst maintaining the ease of use and computational stability of the two equations models. Therefore development work concentrated on non-linear quadratic and cubic expansions of the Boussinesq eddy viscosity assumption. Comparisons of these with models based on an isotropic assumption are presented along with comparisons with measured data.