The Reynolds Stress in Turbulence From an Alternate Perspective

Abstract

We present a unique method for solving for the Reynolds stress in turbulent canonical flows, based on the momentum balance for a control volume moving at the local mean velocity. A differential transform converts this momentum balance to a closed form, with the longitudinal component, u’2 and the mean velocity, U as its constituents. Validations with experimental and computational data in simple geometries show quite good results. Using this perspective, determination of the Reynolds stress in terms of computable turbulence parameters is rendered possible.