Finite Element Turbulent Flow Analysis of Three-Dimensional Large Scale problems Using the κ-ε Model

Abstract

This paper describes the turbulent flow analysis technique that is suitable for three-dimensional large scale problems. The k-ε turbulence model and the finite element method are used with low order elements. The coefficient matrices are evaluated by one-point quadrature with hour-glass control in order to reduce the computaional storage and CPU cost. The pseudo-time integration scheme based on the velocity correction method is utilized to obtain a steady-state solution. For the verification of this FEM program, a two-dimensional plenum flow is simulated and compared with the experiment. As an application to three-dimensional problems, the turbulent flows in the upper plenum of the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) are calculated for various boundary conditions.