CFD vs physical testing in confined geometries: where the models still fail

Blind validation of six commercial CFD solvers against LDV measurements in a T-junction with strong recirculation. The two failure modes that appear regardless of turbulence model choice.

• Mesh sensitivity study and solver convergence criteria
• Turbulence model selection and near-wall treatment approach
• Validation against physical measurement and LDV data
• Recommendations for industrial design and process applications