Statistical Description of the Turbulent Mixing of Scalar Fields

Abstract

A formulation in terms of probability density function (PDF) transport equations is presented for inert and reactive scalar fields undergoing turbulen mixing. The PDF methodology is related to the classical moment equations. The hierarchy of PDF transport equations resembles the BBGKY equations in statistical mechanics. Closure hypothesis, approximating the molecular mixing term, are described and their predictions for simple systems are compared with direct numerical simulations (DNS). Solution algorithms in terms of Monte Carlo particles are also discussed.