LAMINAR-FLOW PAST AN ENCLOSED AND OPEN BACKWARD-FACING STEP

Numerical solutions for laminar flow past an enclosed and open backward-facing step are presented. The semi-implicit method for pressure equations (SIMPLE) methodology is used with finite volume discretization. The investigation concentrated on the differences in the lower reattachment length which are caused by the upper boundary layer. The upper boundary layer can cause three major effects; flow retardation, inhibition of perpendicular streamlines, and an upper recirculation region. These all affect the lower reattachment length. © 1994 American Institute of Physics.