k -  turbulence model

Turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate

1 0 0 1 1
• Turbulent Kinetic Energy (scalar) k = u u = (u0 · u0 ) = (u02 + v 02 + w02 ) in units
2 i i 2 2
m2 J
2
=
s kg

∂u0i ∂u0i m2 J/kg

• Turbulent Dissipation Rate (vector)  = ν in units 3 = where
∂xj ∂xj s s
" 2 2 2 #
∂u0 ∂u0 ∂u0
 
x = ν + +
∂x ∂y ∂z

" 2 2 2 #
∂v 0 ∂v 0 ∂v 0
 
y = ν + +
∂x ∂y ∂z

" 2 2 2 #
∂w0 ∂w0 ∂w0
 
z = ν + +
∂x ∂y ∂z

 
x
 
=
y 

z

3
k = (U I)2
2
where U is a characteristic velocity scale, and I is the turbulent intensity given as
q q
u0 u02 + v 02 + w02 u02 + v 02 + w02
I= = √ 2 =
u u + v 2 + w2 U∞

Note that I is a dimensionless quantity. I typically has a value ranging from [0, 20]%, and [0, 1]%
is considered low intensity, [1, 5]% is medium intensity, and [5, 20]% is considered high turbulent
intensity. Note also that if one has access to fluid dynamical experimental equipments, one may
measure the turbulent fluctuations quite accurately.
For fully developed pipe flow we may use the relation

1
I = 0.16Re− 8

If we assume isotropic turbulence u02 = v 02 = w02 we have

r
1 3 2
k = (u02 + v 02 + w02 ) = u02 → u0 = k
2 2 3

Isotropic turbulence assumption is valid in core regions far from walls where wall effects are

1
negligible. This gives
3
k = (U∞ I)2
2
For Re = 10000:
1
I = 0.16 · 10000− 8 = 0.0506

k
3 3
k = (U∞ I)2 = (1m/s · 0.0506)2 = 0.00384
2 2

epsilon
  1.5
2
k 1.5
0.164 · 0.164 · 0.00384 m
s2 m2
= = = 5.57 · 10−4
0.07L 0.07 · 1m s3

2
Bibliography

[Sumer et al] B. Mutlu Sumer, Jorgen Fredsoe

Hydrodynamics Around Cylindrical Structures. World Scientific

[White] Frank M. White

Viscous Fluid Flow. McGraw-Hill 2006

[Bakker] Andre Bakker

Lecture 7 Meshing.