The simulation of parallel jets through steady state CFD has often proved to be problematic, in particular when identical jets are simulated. In the present work the simulation of parallel jet mixing by the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) methodology has been carried out. Such methodology has the potential to improve the results of steady state simulations, along with hybrid RANS-LES modeling and DES at a limited computational cost. The experimental setup of Kunz et al., consisting of five parallel pipe jets mixing in a rectangular confinement, has been chosen as a benchmark test because of its
similarity with the geometry of the IRIS reactor.
The ensemble averaged time-dependent Navier –Stokes equations have been solved through the finite volume code STAR-CD 4.06. The specific algorithm is the PISO algorithm
specifically designed for transient calculations. Several numerical models have been prepared: the minimal symmetry unity (1/4 of the single jet) with boundary conditions forcing the solution to be symmetric on the symmetric planes; one, two or four jets with periodic boundary conditions; and the whole domain with wall boundary conditions.
The results confirm that steady state calculations tend to under-estimate the spreading (mixing) of the jets. In particular, the spreading is acceptable in the near inlet region, while a strong discrepancy is observed far from the inlet. The results of transient simulation carried out on domains including more than one jet indicate stable oscillatory behavior downstream from the jet inlets and the results are definitely in better agreement with the test data
