Engineering Questions with Answers - Multiple Choice Questions

# Computational Fluid Dynamics – Mixing Length Turbulence Model

1 - Question

The mixing length model defines the turbulence dynamic viscosity as a function of ____________
a) position
b) mean flow properties
c) fluctuating components
d) velocities
View Answer Answer: a
Explanation: The mixing length model is a variation of the RANS model. It does not need any additional transport equations. It describes the stresses in terms of a simple algebraic formula for the turbulent dynamic viscosity as a function of position.

2 - Question

The mixing length model links _____________ with _____________
a) length scale with mean flow properties
b) velocity scale with mean flow properties
c) length scale with position coordinates
d) velocity scale with position coordinates
View Answer Answer: b
Explanation: The large eddies directly interact with the mean flow properties and extract energy from them. So, there is a strong connection between the mean flow properties and the behaviour of the large eddies. So, the velocity scale is linked with the mean flow properties.

3 - Question

If νt is the turbulent kinematic viscosity, lm is the mixing length and U is the mean flow velocity in the x-direction, which of these gives the Prandtl mixing length model equation?
a) νt=l2m∣∣Ux∣∣
b) νt=l2m∣∣Uy∣∣
c) νt=lm∣∣Uy∣∣
d) νt=l2m∣∣Ux∣∣

View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Prandtl mixing length model is an attempt to give the transport of momentum in terms of Reynolds stresses. νt=l2m∣∣Uy∣∣ gives the Prandtl mixing length model.

4 - Question

The value of mixing length depends on ____________
a) small eddies
b) large eddies
c) turbulence
d) time scales
View Answer Answer: c
Explanation: The mixing length model defines the Reynolds stresses in terms of velocity gradients, mixing length and density of the fluid. Turbulence is a function of the flow. So, if the turbulence changes, the Reynolds stresses should change. This change is accounted by changing the mixing length.

5 - Question

For a 2-D flow, what is the mixing length of the mixing layer turbulence model?
a) 0.1 of layer width
b) 0.09 of layer width
c) 0.08 of layer width
d) 0.07 of layer width
View Answer Answer: d
Explanation: Mixing length varies for different turbulent flows. For free turbulent flow of the mixing layer type, the mixing length is 0.07 times of the layer width. Mixing layer turbulent flow occurs due to the interaction of two flows with various velocities.

6 - Question

What is the mixing length for the outer layer of a 2-D turbulent boundary layer?
a) 0.09 times the boundary layer thickness
b) 0.08 times the boundary layer thickness
c) 0.07 times the boundary layer thickness
d) 0.06 times the boundary layer thickness
View Answer Answer: a
Explanation: For a turbulent boundary layer problem, the mixing length varies for different layers of the flow. For the 2-D case, the mixing length of the outer boundary layer is 0.09 times the boundary layer thickness.

7 - Question

The mixing length model can be used to get the turbulent scalar fluxes also using _____________
a) turbulent Prandtl/Reynolds number
b) turbulent Reynolds/ Schmidt number
c) turbulent Prandtl/Schmidt number
d) turbulent Reynolds/Nusselt number
View Answer Answer: c
Explanation: Mixing length model uses the turbulent viscosity coefficients. If a relationship can be established between the turbulent viscosity and turbulent diffusivity, the model can be used for turbulent scalar fluxes. This relationship is established by the Turbulent Prandtl/Schmidt number.

8 - Question

Mixing length model cannot be used for _____________
a) turbulent jets
b) turbulent mixing layers
c) turbulent wakes
d) turbulent flows with separation
View Answer Answer: d
Explanation: Mixing length model is ideal for predictions of thin turbulent shear flows such as turbulent jets, wakes, boundary layers and mixing lengths. But, they will not be able to predict flows with separation or even recirculation.

9 - Question

Consider a turbulent flow of viscosity μt, diffusivity Γt and Prandtl/Schmidt number σt. Let Φ be a flow property which can be decomposed into Φ=Φ+Φ’. What is the turbulent scalar flux given by?
a) –ρu’Φ’=ΓtΦx
b) –ρu’Φ’=ΓtΦx
c) –ρu’Φ’=μtΦx
d) –ρu’Φ’=μtΦx

View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: By using the mixing length model, the scalar flux can be given by the mean flow property Φ. Since the equation is in general for a flow property, the general term diffusivity only can be given and not the viscosity. So, the relationship is given by –ρu’Φ’=ΓtΦx.

10 - Question

The mixing length for a 2-D turbulent boundary layer depends on ____________
a) the distance from the wall and the boundary layer thickness
b) the distance from the wall and von Karman’s constant and dimensionless distance
c) von Karman’s constant
d) the boundary layer thickness
View Answer Answer: b
Explanation: The mixing length for a 2-D turbulent boundary layer is given by κy[1-exp⁡(y+/26)]. Where, κ is the von Karman’s constant which is equal to 0.41. y is the distance from the wall. y+ is the dimensionless distance.