Development and calibration of algebraic nonlinear models for terms in the Reynolds stress transport equations

Abstract

A simple and straightforward method is presented for the derivation and calibration of algebraic nonlinear models for terms in Reynolds stress turbulence closures. The method extensively utilizes data from direct numerical simulations to allow an investigation of the model performance over the entire Reynolds stress anisotropy-invariant map. The model constants are determined from the condition of minimizing the mean square error over the invariant map, in order to give good model behavior for as wide a class as possible of flow situations. A low Reynolds number closure is proposed based on the most general form for closing the Reynolds stress transport equations in terms of Reynolds stresses and total dissipation rate. It is shown that forcing the closure to satisfy realizability in a strict sense leads to a good model behavior even for the complicated flow situation near a wall, without any use of ad-hoc wall damping functions in the closure. The model behavior in homogeneous turbulent flow is analyzed by formulating equations for invariant measures, yielding several quite general results for the behavior of the present and other existing models. A new approach to the modeling effects of rotation in the context of Reynolds stress closures is presented and tested for some different homogeneous flows subjected to rotation.