12.16.2 Accuracy

The suggestions below are provided to help you obtain better accuracy in your results:

• Use the turbulence model that is better suited for the salient features you expect to see in the flow (see Section  12.2).

• Because the mean quantities have larger gradients in turbulent flows than in laminar flows, it is recommended that you use high-order schemes for the convection terms. This is especially true if you employ a triangular or tetrahedral mesh. Note that excessive numerical diffusion adversely affects the solution accuracy, even with the most elaborate turbulence model.

• In some flow situations involving inlet boundaries, the flow downstream of the inlet is dictated by the boundary conditions at the inlet. In such cases, you should exercise care to make sure that reasonably realistic boundary values are specified.