On the problem of turbulence

A central theme in the history of the turbulence problem is about the method of ‘closure’ in the models and ‘theories’ which have been proposed. Closure has invariably been by empirical calibration with experimental data. In this note we draw attention to a paper by Morris, Giridharan and Lilley, in which for the first time empiricism is obviated. For the turbulent mixing layer, this is accomplished by including in its description the mechanism for production of turbulent shear stress (i.e. turbulent momentum transfer), by large-scale instability waves. Some implications for the theory of turbulent shear flows are discussed