Vorticity Transport Analysis of Turbulent Flows

Abstract

Turbulence closure for the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations based on vorticity transport theory is investigated. General expressions for the vorticity transport correlation terms in arbitrary two-dimensional mean flows are derived. Direct numerical simulation data for flow in a channel is used to evaluate the modeled terms and set unknown scales. Results are presented for a channel, flat plate boundary layer, and flow over a hill. The computed mean flow and kinetic energy compares well with numerical and physical experiments. The vorticity transport model appears to perform better than conventional Boussinesq eddy viscosity Reynolds stress models near the separated flow region on the leeward side of the hill.