A note on the turbulent energy as a parameter of turbulent flow

The art of modeling turbulence is a needed tool in the construction of computer codes for turbulent flows. The state to which this art has been developed is inadequate, and quotations from authoritative sources support this point of view. The energy contained in the turbulent fluctuations, i.e., the turbulent energy, is often used as a parameter in the modeling process. The present article attempts to examine this quantity as it is being created, transported, and dissipated. For this purpose experimental evidence from the author's own experiments (free jets), as well as theoretical conclusions from the elementary deductions of the basic equations, the concept of turbulent potential flow, and a general solution to the Navier-Stokes-Reynolds equations, is drawn to attention. Recirculating flow is given special attention. The paper concludes with recommendations for principles that must be satisfied if improved modeling is to be achieved. These principles are necessary; whether they are also sufficient is open to question.Nomenclature A ₀ Constant - b _1/2 Jet's half-width - b ₁ ^2/(0) Jet's half-width at z=z(in0) - E _z Kinetic energy contained in the jet's axial velocity at a given profile - E _r Kinetic energy contained in the jet's radial velocity at a given profile - f() Dimensionless velocity profile f(0)=1] - F(), H() Defined functions - L _char Jet's characteristic length - m, n Exponents - p Pressure - q Kinetic energy in the turbulent fluctuations - Heat flux - q ² - r, , z Cylindrical coordinates - t Time - û Internal energy - u, v, w Velocity components - Mean velocity components - Mean velocity components - U ₀ Constant - U _plate Plate's velocity - Uskc/(0) Centerline velocity at z=z₀ - X, Y, Z Components of body force - W Total work done by surface stresses - W ₁ Recoverable work done by surface stresses - W ₂ Dissipated work - z ₀ Downstream distance from the nozzle beyond which self-similar velocity profiles occur - Fluid's kinematic viscosity - Fluid's density - Normal stresses - Shear stresses - Normal stresses with the pressure removed - Dimensionless Crossflow coordinate - ₀ Constant - Stress functions - Stress potential Paper dedicated to Professor Joseph Kestin.Definitions of symbols are given under Nomenclature.