Abstract
Capability of the explicit algebraic stress models to predict homogeneous and inhomogeneous shear flows are examined. The importance of the explicit solution of the production to dissipation ratio is first highlighted by examining the algebraic stress models performance at purely irrotational strain conditions. Turbulent recirculating flows within sudden expanding pipes are further simulated with explicit algebraic stress model and anisotropic eddy viscosity model. Both models predict better stress-strain interactions, showing reasonable shear layer developments. The anisotropic stress field are also accurately predicted by the models, though the anisotropic eddy viscosity model of Craft et al. returns marginally better results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.