Flow in multiple cavity geometries

Two-dimensional numerical simulations of the fluid motion in multiple (double and triple) cavity geometries are presented. The velocity field within the cavities, of various aspect ratios, was measured with an optical anemometer. The accuracy of the two mathematical models (the constant-viscosity model and the K-ε model) used in the simulation is assessed by comparison with the measured quantities. The fluid motion consists of a multieddy flow and a mixing layer, along the open face, responsible for supplying the energy necessary to drive the cavity flow. The structure and strength of these multieddy flows have shown a dependence on the aspect ratio of each geometry. The results have also shown that the K-ε model, used with its original empirical constants, is more consistent in predicting the measured flow patterns in all the geometries investigated. It is suggested that this mathematical model is adequate and merits further development to include pressure gradients within the wall functions and to improve the near-wall boundary layer predictions