Abstract
General applicability of recently-developed low-Reynolds number two-equation turbulence models using isotropic eddy viscosity, is examined by conducting calculations of flows past a backward-facing step and over a rectangular cavity in the bottom bed of open channels, and by comparing with experimental results and direct simulation results. These flows contain features of many general complex flows, such as separation and stagnation, and are suitable for the present purpose. Though it may not be necessary to represent the near-wall behavior of stresses in detail, overall Reynolds number and normal-stress effects need to be represented with some accuracy. Low Reynold-snumber k-ε model has been seen to perform consistently and has the best general applicability.
