Transilient Turbulence Theory. Part I: The Concept of Eddy-Mixing across Finite Distances

Abstract

A first-order turbulence theory is developed that describes eddy-like mixing. Named transilient theory after a Latin word meaning ?leap across? this approach models the turbulent mixing between arrays of points separated in space. It differs from eddy-diffusivity theory in that it is not restricted to turbulent transfer between adjacent points. By explicitly including ?large eddy? effects it can handle mixing across zero-gradient and counter-gradient situations such as found in convective mixed layers. Applications might include pollutant dispersion, boundary layer modeling and cloud entrainment studies.