The computation of the eddy along the upper wall in the three‐dimensional flow over a backward‐facing step

Abstract

A three‐dimensional laminar flow over a backward‐facing step is studied as a numerical experiment by solving the steady‐state, isothermal and incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using two different finite element codes. The Reynolds number ranges from 100 to 1050. The expansion ratio is 1:1.94, and the aspect ratio is 1:36.7. The numerical experiment reveals both eddies along the lower and upper walls downstream of the step. Results of computations regarding positions of detachment of the eddy along the upper wall and positions of reattachments of the eddies along both the lower and upper walls are tabulated along with positions and magnitudes of global extrema of shear rate within the eddies. The wall effects are shown by calculating streamlines along planes parallel/normal to the lateral walls of the domain and depicting how the streamlines are distorted close to the walls and how they assume a two‐dimensional configuration in the plane of symmetry. Comparisons are made with available numerical results and laboratory measurements.

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