Turbulence modelling of an unsteady periodic zero-net-mass flux jet

Journal article, 2011

The purpose of this article is to present the results of a series of numerical simulations of zero-net-mass-flux (synthetic) jet actuators that are acquired by three turbulence models. Shear stress transport k–ω-based models, Reynolds stress ε-based models, and Reynolds stress ω-based models are applied and the results are compared along with the experimental data. Computations are performed with usual Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations solved in a time-dependent mode, for the simulation of a synthetic jet in quiescent environment. The collocated finite-volume approach is used by FOAM C++ library. The present investigation focuses on the ability of the turbulence models to substantiate the phase-averaged Reynolds equations. The reason of the poor reflection of phase-averaged values by numerical modelling is the crux of the current contribution but time-averaged values are predicted to be more reasonable.