Assessment of Turbulence Models over a Curved Hill Flow with Passive Scalar Transport

An incoming canonical spatially developing turbulent boundary layer (SDTBL) over a 2-D curved hill is numerically investigated via the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations plus two eddy-viscosity models: K−ω SST (henceforth SST) and Spalart–Allmaras SA) turbulence models. A evolving thermal has also been included, assuming temperature as passive scalar (Pr = 0.71) Prandtl number, Prt, of 0.90 for wall-normal heat flux modeling. The complex flow with combined strong adverse/favorable streamline curvature-driven pressure gradient caused by concave/convex surface curvatures replicated from wind-tunnel experiments literature, measured velocity fields have used validation purposes (the field was not experimentally measured). Furthermore, direct numerical simulation (DNS) databases literature were employed assessment. Concerning first-order statistics, SA model demonstrated better agreement where remained attached, instance, in Cp, Cf, Us predictions. Conversely, shown slightly match separation zone (in terms Cp Cf) profiles just upstream bubble. Reynolds analogy, based on St/(Cf/2) ratio, holds zero-pressure (ZPG) zones; however, it significantly deteriorated presence gradient, particularly due to concave wall curvature or adverse-pressure (APG). In second-order captured positively correlated characteristics u′ v′ positive shear stresses (<u′v′> > 0) inside recirculating zone. Very APG induced outer secondary peaks <u′v′> production well an evident negative slope constant layer.