Random walk modelling of diffusion in inhomogeneous turbulence

Abstract

Abstract The use of random walk techniques in diffusion modelling has been very successful when the turbulence is not too inhomogeneous. In this paper the difficulties associated with inhomogeneous turbulence are investigated, and a random walk model is developed which ensures the correct steady state distribution of particles in phase space. The model requires the generation of random numbers from non‐Gaussian distributions, and this makes the model difficult to apply in cases of severe inhomogeneity. An alternative model is presented which overcomes this problem in cases where the velocity distribution is Gaussian.