Scalar dissipation rate modelling in variable density turbulent axisymmetric jets and diffusion flames

In recent years several transport equation models for the scalar dissipation rate have been proposed to replace the well known algebraic expression based on equality of mechanical and scalar turbulent time scales. In this study various transport equation models are compared with each other and the model equation of Yoshizawa [J. Fluid Mech. 195, 541 (1988)] is given special attention. The latter is shown to allow an algebraic solution that is different from the classical “equal-scales” algebraic model. The constants that appear in this equation are assigned values based on similarity behavior in turbulent jets and based on studies of homogeneous isotropic turbulence. Both algebraic models and the transport equation models are compared and applied to isothermal variable density jets and jet diffusion flames. It is found that general features, such as the behavior of scalar fluctuation intensities of variable density turbulent jets are relatively well predicted by all the models. Differences between the models exist regarding the predicted time scale ratios.