OpenFOAM Turbulence Model Selector

When to use this OpenFOAM helper

• Use it before creating turbulenceProperties or momentumTransport settings for a basic RANS case.
• Use it when deciding whether laminar, k-epsilon, k-omega SST, or LES guidance should be considered.
• Use it with the y-plus helper when wall treatment is not yet settled.

How to use

1. Select the solver family, distribution guidance, and relevant case settings.
2. Enter only small dictionary, log, folder-listing, or scalar inputs needed by the helper.
3. Click the explicit action button; default values and typing alone do not generate output.
4. Review warnings, compatibility notes, output text, visual summary, and human-review checklist before copying or downloading.

Input guide

Flow regime

Laminar, transitional/uncertain, or turbulent starter classification.

Reynolds number

Optional positive value used to support regime warnings.

Application type

Internal flow, external aerodynamic flow, wall-bounded engineering flow, free shear flow, or generic.

Near-wall approach

Wall functions, low-y-plus wall resolved, or unknown.

Simulation type

Steady RANS, transient RANS/URANS guidance, or LES guidance note.

Notation

Output explanation

• The output includes suggested model family, turbulenceProperties text, required fields, wall guidance, and warnings.
• The decision visual summarizes regime, model class, near-wall approach, and warnings.
• The field table reminds users which 0-folder turbulence fields to review.

Supported OpenFOAM patterns

• laminar starter guidance
• kEpsilon RANS starter guidance
• kOmegaSST RANS starter guidance
• LES guidance note only
• near-wall y-plus conflict warnings

Unsupported patterns

• definitive turbulence-model selection
• transition-model calibration
• DES/IDDES setup
• LES mesh-resolution design
• case-specific validation

Output interpretation

• A turbulence model suggestion is a modelling starting point, not a guarantee of accuracy.
• Transitional, separated, rotating, buoyant, compressible, or multiphase flows need deeper review.

Practical review guidance

• Use Reynolds number and y-plus calculators before finalizing turbulence setup.
• Match wall functions, mesh first-layer height, and turbulence boundary fields.

Worked examples

Assumptions

• Inputs are interpreted as plain text or scalar numbers supplied by the user.
• Generated OpenFOAM text is starter guidance, not proof of solver compatibility.
• The installed OpenFOAM distribution and case physics remain the final authority.
• Reynolds-number thresholds are broad guidance and not universal across all flows.

Practical guidance

• Use solver tutorials for similar geometry and physics.
• Treat LES output as a reminder to do a separate LES-resolution workflow.

Common mistakes

• Treating turbulent model selection as automatic.
• Ignoring transitional uncertainty.
• Mixing k-epsilon wall fields with k-omega SST model files.
• Targeting y-plus without checking achieved y-plus after the run.

Limitations

• The selector does not configure full LES, transition, compressible, buoyant, multiphase, or rotating-flow turbulence models.
• The tool does not run OpenFOAM, check syntax with OpenFOAM utilities, or inspect local case folders.
• Distribution-specific dictionary differences may require edits before use.
• Critical engineering work requires validated solver workflows and qualified professional review.

Related workflow links