Two‐equation ( k , ϵ) turbulence computations by the use of a finite element model

A finite element technique is presented and applied to some one‐ and two‐dimensional turbulent flow problems. The basic equations are the Reynolds averaged momentum equations in conjunction with a two‐equation ( k , ϵ) turbulence model. The equations are written in time‐dependent form and stationary problems are solved by a time iteration procedure. The advection parts of the equations are treated by the use of a method of characteristics, while the continuity requirement is satisfied by a penalty function approach. The general numerical formulation is based on Galerkin's method. Computational results are presented for one‐dimensional steady‐state and oscillatory channel flow problems and for steady‐state flow over a two‐dimensional backward‐facing step.