Numerical Solution of the Problem of Incompressible Fluid Flow in a Plane Channel with a Backward-Facing Step at High Reynolds Numbers

Abstract

Numerical solutions of the problem of steady incompressible viscous fluid flow in a plane channel with a backward-facing step have been obtained by the grid method. The fluid motion is described by the Navier–Stokes equations in velocity-pressure variables. The main computations were performed on a uniform 6001 × 301 grid. The control-volume method of the second order in space was used for the difference approximation of the original equations. The results were validated for the range of Reynolds numbers (100 ≤ Re ≤ 3000) by comparing them with the experimental and theoretical data found in the literature. The stability of the computational algorithm at high Reynolds numbers was achieved by using a fine difference grid (a small grid step). The study has been carried out for a short channel at Reynolds numbers from 1000 to 10 000 with a step of 1000. A nonstandard structure of the primary vortex behind the step—the presence of numerous centers of rotation both inside the vortex and in the near-wall region under it—has been revealed. The number of centers of rotation in the primary recirculation zone is shown to grow with increasing Reynolds number. The profiles of the coefficients of friction and hydrodynamic resistance to the flow as a function of Reynolds number have also been analyzed. The results obtained can be useful for comparison and validation of the solutions of problems of such a type.