3D numerical simulation of turbulent buoyant flow and heat transport in a curved open channel

A three-dimensional buoyancy-extended version of k--[epsilon] turbulence model was developed for simulating the turbulent flow and heat transport in a curved open channel. The density-induced buoyant force was included in the model, and the influence of temperature stratification on flow field was considered. The flow and temperature fields were simulated simultaneously. The model was validated by comparison with laboratory measurements, and the simulated fields were generally in good agreement with experimental data. A comparison of velocity fields in thermal and isothermal flow in curved open channel is presented and the effects of channel curvature and buoyant force on the velocity fields are also discussed. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2009)135:7(554) CE Database subject headings: Temperature distribution; Open channel flow; Turbulence; Simulation; Heat transfer.