Numerical prediction of separation and reattachment of turbulent flow in axisymmetric diffuser

The turbulent flow inside an axisymmetric diffuser with a curved-surface centre body is numerically simulated using high Reynolds number k-epsilon + wall function model, high Reynolds number k-epsilon + one-equation model, and low Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence model. For the separation and reattachment positions, the comparisons made between numerical results and experimental measurements show that the high Reynolds k-epsilon + one-equation turbulence model is superior to other models in the present calculation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.