Numerical simulation of flows over 2D and 3D backward-facing inclined steps

•2D and 3D simulations of backward facing step flows.•Step perpendicular or inclined, top wall parallel or inclined.•Used finite element and finite volume method.•Used eddy viscosity and EARSM turbulence models.•All results compared with experimental data.

The work deals with the numerical solution of incompressible turbulent flow in a channel with a backward-facing step having various inclination angles. Also, the inclination of upper wall is considered. The mathematical model is based on the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The governing equations are closed by the explicit algebraic Reynolds stress (EARSM) model according to Wallin and Johansson or by linear eddy viscosity models (SST, TNT k–ω). The numerical solution is carried out by the implicit finite-volume method based on the artificial compressibility and by the finite-element method amd both approaches compared. The numerical simulations use as reference the experimental data by Makiola and Driver and Seegmiller in large aspect ratio channels. In these cases, the results are obtained by 2D and 3D simulations. Further narrow channel PIV experimental data are used as reference for 3D simulations.