PERFORMANCE OF 2-D TURBULENCE RANS MODELS FOR PREDICTION OF FLOW PAST A STAGGERED TUBE BANK ARRAY

Two dimensional computational analysis of nine RANS turbulence models is carried out and the results are compared with the benchmark test data for the cross flow past tube banks. The ERCOFTAC-IAHR experimental test data of Simonin and Barcouda (1988) formed the database for benchmarking. Apart from the dimensionless quantities like stream-wise velocity, transverse velocity and Reynolds stresses, the pressure coefficient, skin friction factor around the tubes, recirculation lengths behind the tube and flow separation angles are compared with literature. Contrary to the claims made in the published literature, the accuracy of predictions is not satisfactory with the two-dimensional computational analysis, irrespective of the turbulence model employed.