Comparison of Different URANS Schemes for the Simulation of Complex Swirling Flows

Abstract

We perform numerical calculations of the unsteady, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations to simulate isothermal single-phase flow in the geometry of a pulverized-solids burner, with double air intake and swirl, at large Reynolds numbers. Two simulations are run with different turbulence closures, viz., the standard k–ϵ and Reynolds stresses models. Computations are validated concerning grid density and placement of boundaries. Results describe an almost periodic flow that exhibits very convincing time-dependent, coherent structures. We analyze it, as well as the differences arising from the nature of the turbulence model, which is an important issue given the cost involved.

This investigation has been partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, projects Ref. ENE2006-13617/CON and ENE2007-65072/ALT.