Application of an algebraic turbulent heat flux model to a backward facing step flow at low Prandtl number

Turbulent heat transfer represents a considerably challenging phenomenon from the modelling point of view. In the RANS framework, the classical Reynolds analogy provides a simple and robust approach which is widely employed for the closure of the turbulent heat flux term in a broad range of applications. At the same time, there is an ever growing interest in the development and assessment of advanced models which would allow, at least to some extent, for the relaxation of the simplifying assumptions underlying the Reynolds analogy. In this respect, the use of algebraic closures for the turbulent heat flux has been proposed in the literature by different authors as a viable approach. One of these algebraic closures has been extended for its application to low Prandtl number fluids in various flow regimes, by means of calibration and assessment of the model against some basic test cases, in what is known as the AHFM-NRG+ model. In the present work the AHFM-NRG+ is applied for the first time to a relatively complex configuration, i.e. a backward facing step in both forced and mixed convection regimes with a low Prandtl working fluid, and assessed against reference DNS data. The obtained results suggest that the AHFM-NRG+ is able to provide more accurate predictions for the thermal field within the domain and for the heat transfer at the wall in comparison to the Reynolds analogy assumption. These encouraging results indicate that the AHFM-NRG+ can be considered as a promising model to improve the accuracy in the simulation of the turbulent heat transfer in industrial applications involving low Prandtl fluids.