ICASE LaRC Interdisciplinary Series in Science and Engineering7- Modeling Complex Turbulent Flows

Turbulence modeling both addresses a fundamental problem in physics, 'the last great unsolved problem of classical physics,' and has far-reaching importance in the solution of difficult practical problems from aeronautical engineering to dynamic meteorology. The four areas of current turbulence research focused on here are: compressible turbulence, rotating turbulent flows and turbulent flows with significant mean streamline curvature, turbulent boundary layers in unfavourable pressure gradients, and statistically unsteady turbulent flows. Progress in the theoretical analysis and modelling of these flows is reviewed, and likely directions for future research on these topics are indicated. This text provides both general commentaries as well as specialized developments in the field of turbulence modelling. It provides access to both historically validated and accepted results and newer ideas and approaches to the problem of modelling turbulence. Specialized results relevant to the compressible and non-equilibrium nature of turbulence as well as turbulent flows subjected to rotation and mean pressure gradients are also treated. Also of interest, outside the traditional arena of single-point turbulence closures, are articles addressing spectral (two-point) closures, structure function closures, vortex methods and low dimensional models. There is emphasis on both rigorous mathematical developments and a focus on engineering problems in a field traditionally dominated by empiricism.