The probability approach to the modelling of turbulent reacting flows

Abstract

The formulation of a closed set of averaged equations to describe a turbulent reacting flow is hindered by highly nonlinear relations between instantaneous quantities. This problem is overcome by considering the joint probability distribution of the scalars characterising the reaction. The transport equations for the single and joint probability distributions are derived and the unknown terms in the single probability distribution equation are modelled. Solutions of the modelled equation are obtained and the results are compared with previous models. The ability of the modelled equation to account for the influence of both turbulent mixing and finite chemical reaction rates is demonstrated.