A comparison of modified K-ε turbulence models for buoyant plumes

The effect of buoyancy on the production and dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy is investigated in variants of the popular k- ε turbulence model. The standard gradient diffusion model is considered for the scalar flux as well as a generalised gradient diffusion model. Also, the addition of the non-isotropic component of an algebraic stress model for the Reynolds stresses is assessed. The relative significance of the various models and terms are demonstrated using different combinations of the models, including the important flux Richardson correction term. The generalised gradient diffusion and algebraic stress models are shown to give a strong increase in turbulence production, although the effect on the flow can be largely controlled by the coefficient of the flux Richardson term. Recommendations are made regarding optimum models and coefficients.