Fractal modelling of turbulent mixing

The aim of this work is to propose a new model for turbulent flows, called the fractal model (FM), applicable both in a Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and a large-eddy simulation (LES) formulation, with the ultimate goal of applying it to simulate turbulent combustion irrelevant of its mode (premixed or non-premixed). The model is able to turn itself off in the laminar zones of the flow, and in particular near walls. It is based on the fractal theory. It describes the physics of the smaller spatial scales and therefore represents a small-scales model.

FM describes the physics of the small scales of turbulence based on the phenomenological concept of vortex cascade and on the self-similar behaviour of turbulence in the inertial range. Such a model is used in each cell of a numerical calculation. A characteristic length Δ is associated to each cell, and the local energy u ³ _Δ/Δ is distributed over a certain number of eddies, which depends on the local Reynolds number Re _Δ. Each vortex of the cascade generates N _c vortices; the recursive process of vortex generation terminates at the dissipative scale level, i.e. when the eddy Reynolds number is equal to one. FM is also able to estimate the volume fraction occupied by the dissipative fine structures of turbulence; this quantity is critical in reactive turbulent flows.

The physics of small scales is summarized by a turbulent ‘viscosity’ μ_t, to be added to the molecular one. μ_t is zero where the flow is laminar and, in particular, goes to zero at solid walls. Assuming μ_t to be isotropic, FM is applicable in a RANS formulation (IFM, isotropic fractal model). The model can be extended to the anisotropic case (AFM, anisotropic fractal model) and therefore used to close the transport equations in an LES approach. In the present paper, the model (IFM) is used in a RANS approach and is validated through a test case studied experimentally by Johnson and Bennett, and numerically (with LES) by Akselvoll and Moin. The results obtained are in good agreement both with the experimental and the numerical ones. Other tests are being performed.