Unified explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model for compressible, heat-releasing and supercritical flows with large density variation

An explicit algebraic model (EARSM) for variable denstiy turbulent flow developed by Grigoriev et al. [Phys. Fluids (2015)] is revisited here. We apply it to a quasi one-dimensional nozzle flow, a wall-jet flow with combustion and large density variation and a supercritical flow of carbon dioxide with heat transfer and buoyancy. It is confirmed that the coupling between strong mean density gradient due to high speed, heat release or thermodynamic variations and the ’local mean acceleration’ of the flow produces strong turbulent density and heat fluxes, which strongly affect the turbulence. The possible calibration branches are identified and analyzed. We show that a simple and unified calibration of the model gives good predictions for all cases considered. Therefore, the model is a reliable tool for the computation of compressible flows with large density variation.