Limitations and empirical extensions of the k-epsilon model as applied to turbulent confined swirling flows

Shortcomings and recommended corrections to the standard two-equation k-epsilon turbulence model suggested by previous investigators are presented. They are assessed regarding their applicability to turbulent swirling recirculating flow. Recent experimental data on swirling confined flows, obtained with a five-hole pitot probe and a six-orientation hot-wire probe, are used to obtain optimum values of the turbulence parameters C-mu, C2, and sigma-epsilon for swirling flows. General predictions of moderately and strongly swirling flows with these values are more accurate than predictions with the standard or previous simple extensions of the k-epsilon turbulence model.