Topological flow structures in backward-facing step channels (Q1370120)

The paper is intended to solve the steady-state Navier-Stokes equations for different Reynolds numbers. The flow field was characterized as having a backward-facing step across which a fully-developed three-dimensional channel flow expanded into the channel with an expansion ratio of 1.9432. The computational results, together with the inferred flow topology, reveal details of the flow structure which suggest a mechanism for the development of strongly three-dimensional flow with increasing Reynolds numbers. The computation of `oil-flow' streamlines improves the visualization of the flow field and helps sketch the complicated flow patterns by clarifying the three-dimensional flow separation just behind the step.