Comparison of low-cost two-equation turbulence models for prediction flow dynamics in twin-jets devices

The flow field of a turbulent twin plane jet impinging normally onto a flat surface was investigated numerically for two configurations: a non-recirculating double jet at Re = 14,000 and a partially recirculated double jet at both Re = 6,000 and 14,000. Simulations were performed by using the k-ε Standard, the k-ε Realizable and the k-ω Standard models. The computed mean velocity and turbulent kinetic energy fields were compared with experimental data. The k-ε Standard and k-ε Realizable models exhibit the best agreement with the experimental data, while the standard k-ω model gives more inadequate results for the investigated configurations. However, the three models underestimate the jet expansion rate. None of them correctly predicts the flow in the impact region. Inaccuracies are, however, acceptable considering the targeted engineering applications.