Abstract
The focus of present study centers on the validations of the quadratic and cubic forms of the non-linear eddy viscosity models to recirculating and swirling flows, especially at the cubic formulations level. The numerical framework of the present predicting procedure is based on the finite volume method, adopting Hybrid and Bounded QUICK schemes in convective terms and SIMPLE algorithm to solve the pressure field. Flows with the same swirl number but with different inlet swirl velocity profiles, forced and free vortex type, were investigated. The computations of the non-swirling case indicated that the Craft et al.’s cubic model predicted the best results in terms of the mean and turbulence quantities compared to the measurements. Simulations for the swirling case showed that none of the models could predicted correctly the mean and turbulence results. Detailed comparisons of the predicted results and measurements were presented to assess the merits of model variants. The integral axial momentum developments were also used to examine the effect of inlet swirl profiles on the combustor flow development.