Comparison of k-ε, RSM and LES models for the prediction of flow pattern in jet loop reactor

In the present work, CFD simulations have been undertaken by using standard k-ε, RSM and LES turbulence models. It is known that the computationally cheaper models such as k-ε and Reynolds stress model (RSM) have many simplifying assumptions which limit their accuracy. In order to compare the turbulence models, the LES results have been used to evaluate the exact terms in turbulent kinetic energy (k) and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation (ε) transport equations in standard k-ε model and RSM. From the Large eddy simulation (LES) simulations, the time series of velocity and pressure were stored and were subsequently used for the detailed estimations of two terms. The conservation equations for k and ε consist of convective transport, diffusive transport, dispersive transport, production and dissipation. In the following paper, each of these terms has been quantified accurately in the exact form (i.e. without any assumption) and in the modeled form. This has enabled the direct comparison between the two and has given a clear insight into each modeling assumption.