TRANSILIENT TURBULENCE THEORY. THE CONCEPT OF EDDY-MIXING ACROSS FINITE DISTANCES - 1.

Abstract

A first-order turbulence theory is developed that describes eddy-like mixing. Named transilient theory after a Latin word meaning 'leap across' this approach models the turbulent mixing between arrays of points separated in space. It differs from eddy-diffusivity theory in that it is not restricted to turbulent transfer between adjacent points. By explicitly including 'large eddy' effects it can handle mixing across zero-gradient and counter-gradient situations such as found in convective mixed layers. Applications might include pollutant dispersion, boundary layer modeling and cloud entrainment studies.