Assessment of Various Turbulence Models for Transitional Flows in Enclosed Environment (RP-1271)

Optimal control of enclosed environment requires detailed information of air distribution that could be obtained by numerically solving Navier-Stokes equations with a suitable turbulence model. This investigation evaluated the performance of eight turbulence models for transient airflow in enclosed environment using experimental data obtained in a room. The study used the room to create three cases with gradually added flow features, which were jet, separations, and thermal plumes. The flow regimes were transitional. The study found that some RANS models were good for simple flows, but not for complicated ones. The LES model was the most accurate and stable. The DES model under predicted turbulence kinetic energy near the walls. If the DES model included the subgrid-scale turbulence kinetic energy, the results can be significantly improved. This study shows the advanced features of LES and DES models for solving airflow in enclosed environment.