LIMITATIONS AND EMPIRICAL EXTENSIONS OF THE k-ε MODEL AS APPLIED TO TURBULENT CONFINED SWIRLING FLOWS

Shortcomings and recommended corrections to the standard two-equation k-ε turbulence model suggested by previous investigators are presented. They are assessed regarding their applicability to turbulent swirling recirculating flow. Recent experimental data on swirling confined flows, obtained with a five-hole pilot probe and a six-orientation hot-wire probe, are used to obtain optimum values of the turbulence parameters Cμ, C2, and σε, for swirling flows. General predictions of moderately and strongly swirling flows with these values are more accurate than predictions with the standard or previous simple extensions of the k-ε turbulence model.