Module 8:
Lecture 26: RANS Equations and Eddy Viscosity

 

Eddy Viscosity Models

This is the most well known means to model the Reynolds stresses. The basic concept takes a recourse to Boussinesq hypothesis that assumes the relationship between the mean velocity gradients and the Reynolds stresses in the following way

(26.6)

where

 

         (26.7)

 

And k is the turbulent kinetic energy. Equation (26.6) is valid for incompressible flows. The symbol v t is the turbulent eddy viscosity which is not a fluid property but depends strongly on the state of turbulence. Hence, vt may vay significantly from one point in the flow to another and also from flow to flow.