Reynolds Stress Transport (RST) models have been applied to successfully compute flow solutions to many practical engineering flows, but they are still lacking in more complex flows, especially those flows with strong rotational effects. This is primarily because the Reynolds stress tensor, which carries information only about the componentality (i.e. fluctuating velocity components) of the turbulence, does not fully characterize turbulent flow fields with mean rotation.

My research addresses the rotational effect issue by introducing structure concepts into the modeling process. The basic concept behind Structure Based Turbulence is as follows. A single turbulent eddy is characterized by its structure parameters, i.e. orientation, fluctuating velocity components, and energy distribution. A collection of many turbulent eddies, each having its own characteristic structure parameters, composes a turbulent field. Reynolds stress components are assembled from the statistical averages of all of the turbulent eddies and their respective structure parameters composing this turbulent field.

Preliminary results from flow simulations have verified that the Structure Based Turbulence Model captures physical effects, especially rotational effects, that previous models have been unable to capture. The current state of the model is an algebraic formulation which makes it efficient for computing complex flows of practical engineering interest, such as the flow over an aircraft, automobile, or missile. It could also be applied to compute flow characteristics through a turbojet engine or rocket nozzle to determine thrust and efficiency. This, or any, turbulence model can be applied to any process that involves fluid flow. The key is to understand the limitations of the modeled equations and seek those models which are most widely applicable to the particular problem of interest. It is expected that the Structure Based Turbulence Model will be more widely applicable than present turbulence models.