Numerical Analysis of Turbulent Buoyant Helium Plume by Algebraic Reynolds Stress and Turbulent Mass Flux Models

Abstract

Numerical analysis has been performed for vertical buoyant turbulent flow of air-helium mixture plume in open space by using algebraic Reynolds stress model and algebraic turbulent mass flux model. Calculated results are compared with the experimental data of velocity profile, helium concentration and Reynolds stresses in order to confirm the validity of the presented algebraic turbulent mass flux model. Although the agreement is certainly not perfect especially for vertical normal stress, the main features, which are accelerated flow, rapid diffusion of helium and periodic puff cycles induced by Rayleigh-Taylor instability, are reasonably predicted by the presented algebraic turbulent mass flux model.