Random vortex method for combusting flows

Abstract

The random vortex method (RVM) of Chorin was developed by the recirculating flows. The RVM method models turbulence from first principles, tracking the vorticity and obtaining the interaction of vorticity with the bulk flow field. A computer program was produced called MIMOC, Modeling the Interface Motion of Combustion, which can be used to calculate the reacting flow field behind a rearward facing step. Several comparisons between experimental data and calculations were made. The RVM methood computes qualitatively good results, but the quantitative agreement as yet is not completely satisfactory. Much of the difficulty may be caused by the treatment of boundary conditions and the techniques used for obtaining statistical averages of velocities and turbulence quantities. For the rearward facing step the computed reattachment length equals the experimental value. However, the reverse velocity in the recirculation zone is over predicted by 300 percent. In the calculations, a uniform entrance velocity was assumed with no boundary layer at the step lip. This high velocity may be overdriving the reverse flow region.