Simulation and Modeling of Homogeneous Compressible Turbulence Under Isotropic Mean Compression

Abstract

Compressible homogeneous turbulence subjected to isotropic mean compression is simulated numerically for high and low turbulent Mach numbers, at various compression rates. We find that at low Mach numbers, the effects of viscosity variations on the development of the turbulent kinetic energy can be significant. A model consistent with the invariance of the Navier-Stokes equations to spherical compression, that takes into account variable viscosity effects is proposed. At high Mach numbers, the distribution of energy between the acoustic and solenoidal fields is found to depend upon initial conditions. The simulation results are also used to evaluate one-point compressible turbulence models.