Turbulent Flow Dynamics in A Curved 2D Channel

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamics of turbulent flow in a curved 2D channel, focusing on the changes in flow characteristics due to curvature. Understanding the turbulent flow behavior is crucial for various engineering applications, including pipe design, aerodynamics, and environmental fluid mechanics. The study highlights the effects of centrifugal forces, flow separation, and secondary vortices that develop due to the curvature. Numerical simulations are performed using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with appropriate turbulence models. Results show that flow separation occurs on the inner wall of the curved channel, while strong secondary flows arise, significantly influencing the velocity distribution and pressure gradients.