AbstractThe conventional penalty function finite element model and balancing diffusivity upwind scheme are adopted to simulate shear flows over a surface-mounted obstacle within flow domain. Experimental data and flow visualization made available by previous investigators are used to assess applicability of the present numerical scheme. With a nonuniform grid system, both schemes have been shown to eliminate numerical oscillations that are generated from nonlinear advection. The computational results reveal that strength of recirculating zone behind the wall obstacle is in proportion to width/height ratio of the obstacle, and the pressure loss coefficient increllses rapidly as the ratio is increased.