Entropy Production Rates From Viscous Flow Calculations: Part I — A Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow

Abstract

A procedure for obtaining entropy production rates from viscous flow calculations is described. The method is based on process thermodynamics; it allows loss production to be calculated in “irreversible equilibrium processes.” The two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer of Samuel and Joubert is considered. Mean rates of entropy production are evaluated from measured data using rates of dissipation and rates of increase of turbulence kinetic energy. Calculations performed with the Moore Cascade Flow Program give good agreement with mean rates of entropy production and reveal details of the distribution of entropy production throughout the boundary layer. This method is used in Part II to reveal loss sources in calculations for a rectangular elbow.