Finite element simulation of turbulent Couette-Poiseuille flows using a low Reynolds number k-epsilon model

Developing Couette-Poiseuille flows at Re = 5000 are studied using a low Re ynolds number k-epsilon two-equation model and a finite element formulation . Mesh-independent solutions are obtained using a standard Galerkin formula tion and a Galerkin/least-squares stabilized method. The predictions for th e velocity and turbulent kinetic energy are compared with available experim ental results and to the DNS data. Second moment closure's solutions are al so compared with those of the k-epsilon model. The deficiency of eddy visco sity models to predict dissymmetric low Reynolds number channel flows has b een demonstrated. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.