On Fokker–Planck equations for turbulent reacting flows. Part 1. Probability density function for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations

Abstract. The application of large eddy simulation (LES) to turbulent reacting flow calculations is faced with several closure problems. Suitable parametrizations for filtered reaction rates for instance are hardly available in general. A way to overcome these problems is investigated here. This is done by extending LES equations for filtered velocities and scalars (mass fractions of species and temperature) to equations that involve subgrid scale (SGS) fluctuations. Such equations are called filter density function (FDF) methods because they determine the FDF, which is essentially the probability density function of SGS variables. The FDF model considered involves only three para-meters: C0 that controls the generation of velocity fluctuations and two parameters which determine the relaxation of velocity and scalar fluctuations. The consideration of this model may be seen as the analysis of a limiting case: the implications of the most simple equations for the dynamics of SGS fluctuations are investigated in this way. These equations were proved recently by various simulations. Here, the FDF model is used analytically to improve simpler methods. Existing models for the SGS stress tensor in velocity LES equations and the diffusion coefficient in scalar FDF equations are generalized in this way. The advantages of these models compared to existing ones are pointed out. These investigations provide further evidence for the suitability of the FDF mode