Algebraic closure models applied to the two-dimensional turbulent classical far wake

Abstract

The study of turbulence in fluids is of great importance because turbulence occurs in natural phenomena and has practical uses in industry. In this dissertation, a brief history of turbulence is presented. Particular attention is then paid to the two-dimensional turbulent classical wake and the various algebraic closure models used to complete the system of equations. The system of partial differential equations is reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations using the Lie point symmetry associated with the elementary conserved vector. When comparing with experimental results, the closure models considered consists of the constant eddy viscosity model, Prandtl’s mixing length model, and Prandtl’s improved mixing length model. The profile of the mean velocity deficit for each model is plotted on the same set of axes as the experimental profile. These profiles are compared to determine which closure model provides a better prediction of the velocity profile