The dynamics of variable-density turbulent fluids are studied by direct numerical simulation. The flow is incompressible so that acoustic waves are decoupled from the problem, and implying that density is not a thermodynamic variable. Changes in density occur due to molecular mixing. The velocity field, is in general, divergent. A pseudo-spectral numerical technique is used to solve the equations of motion. Three-dimensional simulations are performed using a grid size of 1283 grid points. Two types of problems are studied: (1) the decay of isotropic, variable-density turbulence, and (2) buoyancy-generated turbulence in a fluid with large density fluctuations. In the case of isotropic, variable-density turbulence, the overall statistical decay behavior, for the cases studied, is relatively unaffected by the presence of density variations when the initial density and velocity fields are statistically independent. The results for this case are in quantitative agreement with previous numerical and laboratory results. In this case, the initial density field has a bimodal probability density function (pdf) which evolves in time towards a Gaussian distribution. The pdf of the density field is symmetric about its mean value throughout its evolution. If the initial velocity and density fields are statistically dependent, however, the decay process is significantly affected by the density fluctuations. For the case of buoyancy-generated turbulence, variable-density departures from the Boussinesq approximation are studied. The results of the buoyancy-generated turbulence are compared with variable-density model predictions. Both a one-point (engineering) model and a two-point (spectral) model are tested against the numerical data. Some deficiencies in these variable-density models are discussed and modifications are suggested.

The first part aims at providing the physical and theoretical framework of the analysis of density variations in fully turbulent flows. Its scope is deliberately educational. In the second part, basic data on dynamical and scalar properties of variable density turbulent flows are presented and discussed, based on experimental data and/or results from direct numerical simulations. This part is rather concerned with a research audience. The last part is more directly devoted to an engineering audience and deals with prediction methods for turbulent flows of variable density fluid. Both first and second order, single point modeling are discussed, with special emphasis on the capability to include specific variable density / compressibility effects.

The General Assembly of the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in its meeting on August 28, 1994, selected for 1996 only four Mechanics Symposia, of which ours is the only one related to Fluid Mechanics: Variable Density Low Speed Turbulent Flows. This IUTAM Symposium, organized by the Institut de Recherche sur les Phenomenes Hors Equilibre (Marseille), is the logical continuation of the meetings previously organized or co-organized - on the French or European level, such as Euromech 237, Marseille, 1988 - by the same research group ofMarseille. This meeting focused specifically on the structure of turbulent flows in which density varies strongly : the effect of this variation on the velocity and scalar fields is in no sense negligible. We were mainly concerned with low-speed flows subjected to strong local changes of density as a consequence of heat or mass transfer or of chemical reactions. Compressible turbulent flows - such a!" supersonic ones - were also considered in order to underline their similarities to and their differences from low-speed variable density flows.

This book contains contributions by former students, colleagues and friends of Professor John L. Lumley, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, in recognition of his enormous impact on the advancement of turbulence research. A variety of experimental, computational and theoretical topics, including turbulence modeling, direct numerical simulations, compressible turbulence, turbulent shear flows, coherent structures and the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition are contained herein. The diversity and scope of these contributions are further acknowledgment of John Lumley's wide ranging influence in the field of turbulence. The large number of contributions by the authors, many of whom were participants in The Lumley Symposium: Recent Developments in Turbulence (held at ICASE, NASA Langley Research Center on November 12 & 13, 1990), has presented us with the unique opportu nity to select a few numerical and theoretical papers for inclusion in the journal Theoretical and Computational Fluid Dynamics for which Professor Lumley serves as Editor. Extended Abstracts of these pa pers are included in this volume and are appropriately marked. The special issue of TCFD will appear this year and will serve as an additional tribute to John Lumley. As is usually the case, the efforts of others have significantly eased our tasks. We would like to express our deep appreciation to Drs. R.

Mixing and Chemical reactions under turbulent flow conditions are a basic feature of the energy release processes in many combustion and propulsion systems. The development of predictive calculation procedures for these systems requires the understanding and modeling of coupling between turbulence and various physical and chemical processes. Second-order closure modeling of turbulent flows provides a rational framework for studying these interactions. Models for the scalar probability density function (pdf) have to be developed to achieve closure of turbulent transport equations for mixing and reacting flows. A delta function 'typical eddy' pdf model for two species flows has been developed and incorporated into a complete second-order closure computer program. The program has been used to study uniform and variable density flowfields and the model predictions have been compared to experimental measurements. The modeling of turbulence dynamics for variable density flows requires further improvement. However, the importance of modeling the higher-order scalar correlations has been demonstrated. A number of statistical constraints on three species flowfields have also been derived. These will be useful in the development of the 'typical eddy' pdf modelfor reacting flows. (Author).

This study gives an updated account of our current ability to describe multimaterial compressible turbulent flows by means of a one-point transport model. Evolution equations are developed for a number of second-order correlations of turbulent data, and approximations of the gradient type are applied to additional correlations to close the system of equations. The principal fields of interest are the one- point Reynolds tensor for variable-density flow, the turbulent energy dissipation rate, and correlations for density-velocity and density- density fluctuations. This single-field description of turbulent flows is compared in some detail to two-field flow equations for nonturbulent, highly dispersed flow with separate variables for each field. This comparison suggests means for improved modeling of some correlations not subjected to evolution equations.

Small-scale turbulent flow dynamics is traditionally viewed as universal and as enslaved to that of larger scales. In coarse grained simulation (CGS), large energy-containing structures are resolved, smaller structures are spatially filtered out, and unresolved subgrid scale (SGS) effects are modeled. Coarse Grained Simulation and Turbulent Mixing reviews our understanding of CGS. Beginning with an introduction to the fundamental theory the discussion then moves to the crucial challenges of predictability. Next, it addresses verification and validation, the primary means of assessing accuracy and reliability of numerical simulation. The final part reports on the progress made in addressing difficult non-equilibrium applications of timely current interest involving variable density turbulent mixing. The book will be of fundamental interest to graduate students, research scientists, and professionals involved in the design and analysis of complex turbulent flows.

This book provides state-of-the-art results and theories in homogeneous turbulence, including anisotropy and compressibility effects with extension to quantum turbulence, magneto-hydodynamic turbulence and turbulence in non-newtonian fluids. Each chapter is devoted to a given type of interaction (strain, rotation, shear, etc.), and presents and compares experimental data, numerical results, analysis of the Reynolds stress budget equations and advanced multipoint spectral theories. The role of both linear and non-linear mechanisms is emphasized. The link between the statistical properties and the dynamics of coherent structures is also addressed. Despite its restriction to homogeneous turbulence, the book is of interest to all people working in turbulence, since the basic physical mechanisms which are present in all turbulent flows are explained. The reader will find a unified presentation of the results and a clear presentation of existing controversies. Special attention is given to bridge the results obtained in different research communities. Mathematical tools and advanced physical models are detailed in dedicated chapters.