Numerical Simulation of Flow Characteristics in a Rectangular Cavity

Turbulent flow over an open cavity has been investigated using simulation data generated by ANSYS Fluent and validated with published experimental data. The effects of various Reynolds numbers (58000, 25000, 10000) and cavity aspect ratios, notably l/d  = 1, 2, and 4 on the flow are reported. A critical Reynolds number is determined, reflecting changes in flow behaviours. For l/d  = 1, there is a strong interaction between the cavity's recirculating zone and downstream flow. For l/d  = 1, the recirculating zone within the cavity interacts strongly with the downstream flow. For aspect ratios of 2 and 4, mean flow clearly moves and a low-pressure region developed between inside of the cavity due to shear layer formation. The aspect ratio increases, the flow near the cavity's front adheres closer to the surface, while the instability in the back grows stronger.