Assessment of the capabilities of explicit algebraic Reynolds stress models as applied to the calculation of wall turbulent boundary layers

An explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model (EARSM) is used to perform calculations of canonical turbulent boundary layers on a flat plate under conditions of zero, adverse, and accelerating pressure gradients. A comparison of the results with the calculation data obtained using the standard K-omega and K-epsilon models of turbulence and with the known experimental data demonstrates that, in spite of the obvious advantages of the EARSM over the traditional models in calculating flows with substantial anisotropy of Reynolds stresses, these advantages, as applied to the class of flows being treated, show up mainly in determining the pulsation parameters of flow. Further, the accuracy of the EARSM in all cases depends strongly on the choice of the base model: from this standpoint, the K-omega model is superior to the K-epsilon model. The results of calculations of flow past a flat plate demonstrate the need for a more thorough calibration of the EARSM along with the base model.