Numerical experiments in homogeneous turbulence

TLDR

The study focuses on shear flow in homogeneous turbulence because of its importance and the availability of detailed experimental data. The authors extended Orszag and Patternson’s direct simulation methods to homogeneous turbulence under uniform deformation or rotation, used the results to evaluate two Reynolds‑stress closure models, and presented detailed numerical data and method descriptions. Simulations of irrotational strain, shear, rotation, and isotropic relaxation were compared with linear theory and experimental data, demonstrating consistency.

Abstract

The direct simulation methods developed by Orszag and Patternson (1972) for isotropic turbulence were extended to homogeneous turbulence in an incompressible fluid subjected to uniform deformation or rotation. The results of simulations for irrotational strain (plane and axisymmetric), shear, rotation, and relaxation toward isotropy following axisymmetric strain are compared with linear theory and experimental data. Emphasis is placed on the shear flow because of its importance and because of the availability of accurate and detailed experimental data. The computed results are used to assess the accuracy of two popular models used in the closure of the Reynolds-stress equations. Data from a variety of the computed fields and the details of the numerical methods used in the simulation are also presented.