Pressure strain correlation modelling for turbulent flows

Abstract: Accurate and robust models for the pressure strain correlation are an essential component for the success of Reynolds Stress Models in turbulent flow simulations. However replicating the non-local action of pressure using only local tensors places a large limitation on potential model performance. In this thesis we outline an approach that extends the tensor basis used for pressure strain correlation modeling to formulate models with improved precision and robustness. This set of additional tensors is analyzed and justified based on physics based arguments and analysis of simulation data. Using these tensors models for the rapid and slow pressure strain correlation are developed. The resulting complete pressure strain correlation model is tested for a wide variety of turbulent flows, while being contrasted against the predictions of established models. It is shown that the new model provides significant improvement in prediction accuracy. In the second stage of the work a series of experiments on decaying grid generated turbulence and grid turbulence with mean strain were conducted. Experimental data of turbulence statistics including Reynolds stress anisotropies is collected, analyzed and then compared to the predictions of Reynolds Stress Models to assess their accuracy and is used to evaluate the variability in the coefficients of the rate of dissipation model and the pressure strain correlation models used in Reynolds Stress Modeling.