Universal Model of Finite Reynolds Number Turbulent Flow in Channels and Pipes

Abstract

In this Letter, we suggest a simple and physically transparent analytical model of pressure driven turbulent wall-bounded flows at high but finite Reynolds numbers Re. The model provides an accurate quantitative description of the profiles of the mean-velocity and Reynolds stresses (second order correlations of velocity fluctuations) throughout the entire channel or pipe, for a wide range of Re, using only three Re-independent parameters. The model sheds light on the long-standing controversy between supporters of the century-old log-law theory of von Kàrmàn and Prandtl and proposers of a newer theory promoting power laws to describe the intermediate region of the mean velocity profile.