Application of the Turbulent Potential Model to Complex Flows

The turbulent potential model is a RANS model that avoids modeling the Reynolds stress tensor. As a result it has the ability to obtain the physical accuracy of Reynolds stress transport equation models at a cost and complexity comparable to popular two equation models. The model’s ability to predict channel flow, free-shear layers, homogeneous shear flow, stagnation point flow, backward facing step flows, and boundary layers with and without strong adverse pressure gradients has been demonstrated previously. In the present study, the performance of the turbulent potential model is evaluated in a series of complex non-equilibrium turbulent flows. These include three-dimensional boundary layers, unsteady vortex shedding, rotating turbulent flows and boundary layer transition.