Benchmark PIV database for the validation of CFD simulations in a transitional cavity flow

• A benchmark experimental database for the transitional cavity flow is presented. RANS simulations were conducted using standard k-ω and SST turbulence models. main recirculation region two secondary vortices inside found. The separating does not reattach on bottom wall of cavity. forward-facing edge reattachment highly unsteady. yields more accurate predictions than k-ω. We present an flow. obtained by planar Particle Image Velocimetry measurements at median plane model, Reynolds numbers between 6300 19,000 based height. detailed uncertainty analysis results performed via correlation statistics method PIV quantification linear error propagation. are compared to two-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) numerical with different It shown that, when model employed, discrepancy exceeds latter. Conversely, agree well data in terms time-averaged properties; however, turbulent kinetic energy significant discrepancies all considered numbers. presented this paper made available open-access download 4TU.ResearchData repository DOI: https://doi.org/10.4121/14061233 .