Test of several versions for the k-ε type turbulence modelling of internal mixed convection flows

The problem of confined, mixed convection airflow generated by two non-isothermal plane wall jets was investigated numerically and experimentally. Measurements of the velocity and temperature fields in a 1 x 1 m(2) cross-section cavity are reported. Eight low-Reynolds-number k-epsilon turbulence models were comparatively tested, together with a simplified version of the two-layer wall-function model of Chieng and Launder. Particular attention was given to the mean and turbulent quantities across the wall jet flows, and to the evaluation of the wall heat transfer. The low-Re model of Nagano and Hishida provided satisfactory results, which were still improved with two further modifications. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.