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A stochastic model for the motion of particle pairs in isotropic high-Reynolds-number turbulence, and its application to the problem of concentration variance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2006

D. J. Thomson
D. J. Thomson
Affiliation:
Meteorological Office, London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2SZ
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Abstract

A new stochastic model for the motion of particle pairs in isotropic high-Reynolds-number turbulence is proposed. The model is three-dimensional and its formulation takes account of recent improvements in the understanding of one-particle models. In particular the model is designed so that if the particle pairs are initially well mixed in the fluid, they will remain so. In contrast to previous models, the new model leads to a prediction for the particle separation probability density function which is in qualitative agreement with inertial subrange theory. The values of concentration variance from the model show encouraging agreement with experimental data. The model results suggest that, at large times, the intensity of concentration fluctuations (i.e. standard deviation of concentration divided by mean concentration) tends to zero in stationary conditions and to a constant in decaying turbulence.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 210 , January 1990 , pp. 113 - 153
Copyright
© 1990 Cambridge University Press

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