Turbulent combustion: Concepts, governing equations and modeling strategies

Abstract

The numerical modeling of turbulent combustion problems is based on the solution of a set of conservation equations for momentum and scalars, plus additional auxiliary equations. These equations have very well-defined foundations in their instantaneous and spatially-resolved forms and they represent a myriad of problems that are encountered in a very broad range of applications. However, their practical solution poses important problems. First, models of turbulent combustion problems form an important subset of models for turbulent flows. Second, the reacting nature of turbulent combustion flows imposes additional challenges of resolution of all relevant scales that govern turbulent combustion and closure for scalars. This chapter attempts to review the governing equations from the perspective of modern solution techniques, which take root in some of the classical strategies adopted to address turbulent combustion modeling.We also attempt to outline common themes and to provide an outlook where present efforts are heading. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.