Numerical simulation for the flow structures following a three-dimensional horizontal forward-facing step channel

Abstract

A numerical code based on the finite volume discretization technique is developed to simulate flow structures following a three-dimensional horizontal forward-facing step. The link between the pressure distribution and velocity field are made by using the SIMPLE algorithm. A rectangular channel encloses the forward-facing step such that the expansion ratio (ER) and the aspect ratio (AR) are equal to two and four respectively. The total channel length in the stream-wise direction is equal to 60 times the step height and the step edge is located 20 times the step height downstream from the channel inlet. At the channel inlet the flow is considered to be a three-dimensional, fully developed flow. Results for the reattachment line, the separation line, as well as for velocity profiles at different planes for different Reynolds are presented.