Validation of the Modified k − ε Turbulence Model for Conical Vortex Tubes Accounting for Compressibility Effects.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Validation of the Modified k − ε Turbulence Model for Conical Vortex Tubes Accounting for Compressibility Effects.
Authors: Zinn, Itay1 (AUTHOR), Khait, Anatoliy1 (AUTHOR) haitanatoliy@gmail.com, Avrahami, Idit1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Heat Transfer Engineering. 2026, Vol. 47 Issue 6, p540-558. 19p.
Subject Terms: *Vortex tubes, *Compressibility, *Calibration, *Turbulent heat transfer, *Heat transfer, *Computer simulation, *Thermodynamics, *Turbulence
Abstract: The problem of numerical simulation of Ranque-Hilsch energy separation in a vortex tube is considered in the paper. The standard k − ε turbulence model is modified to incorporate the fluid compressibility effect. In particular, the regular heat flows due to momentum exchange and turbulent thermal conductivity are complemented by the additional heat flow due to fluid compressibility. The new closure constant c γ is introduced to the model for the first time for balancing heat flows. Careful calibration of the model suggested the recommended value c γ = 0.725 , which provides the best turbulence model accuracy in terms of the integral characteristics of the conical vortex tubes. The given value of c γ is interpreted as a deviation of the gas compression from the adiabatic process with a polytropic index of 1.26. It is demonstrated that turbulent thermal conductivity is dominant in the standard k − ε turbulence model, while heat flow due to fluid compressibility dominates in the modified model. Such redistribution of heat flows is considered to be the main reason for the improvement of the energy separation effect prediction when comparing the modified and standard turbulence models. Nevertheless, the universality of the modified turbulence model is still not guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Database: Energy & Power Source
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Abstract:The problem of numerical simulation of Ranque-Hilsch energy separation in a vortex tube is considered in the paper. The standard k − ε turbulence model is modified to incorporate the fluid compressibility effect. In particular, the regular heat flows due to momentum exchange and turbulent thermal conductivity are complemented by the additional heat flow due to fluid compressibility. The new closure constant c γ is introduced to the model for the first time for balancing heat flows. Careful calibration of the model suggested the recommended value c γ = 0.725 , which provides the best turbulence model accuracy in terms of the integral characteristics of the conical vortex tubes. The given value of c γ is interpreted as a deviation of the gas compression from the adiabatic process with a polytropic index of 1.26. It is demonstrated that turbulent thermal conductivity is dominant in the standard k − ε turbulence model, while heat flow due to fluid compressibility dominates in the modified model. Such redistribution of heat flows is considered to be the main reason for the improvement of the energy separation effect prediction when comparing the modified and standard turbulence models. Nevertheless, the universality of the modified turbulence model is still not guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:01457632
DOI:10.1080/01457632.2025.2459986