Fractional and tempered fractional models for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations

Abstract

Turbulence is a non-local phenomenon and has multiple-scales. Non-locality can be addressed either implicitly or explicitly. Implicitly, by subsequent resolution of all spatio-temporal scales. However, if directly solved for the temporal or spatially averaged fields, a closure problem arises on account of missing information between two points. To solve the closure problem in Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS), an eddy-viscosity hypotheses has been a popular modelling choice, where it follows either a linear or non-linear stress-strain relationship. Here, a non-constant diffusivity is introduced. Such a non-constant diffusivity is also characteristic of non-Fickian diffusion equation addressing anomalous diffusion process. An alternative approach, is a fractional derivative based diffusion equations. Thus, in the paper, we formulate a fractional stress-strain relationship using variable-order Caputo fractional derivative. This provides new opportunities for future modelling effort. We pedagogically study of our model construction, starting from one-sided model and followed by two-sided model. Non-locality at a point is the amalgamation of all the effects, thus we find the two-sided model is physically consistent. Further, our construction can also addresses viscous effects, which is a local process. Thus, our fractional model addresses the amalgamation of local and non-local process. We also show its validity at infinite Reynolds number limit. This study is further extended to tempered fractional calculus, where tempering ensures finite jump lengths, this is an important remark for unbounded flows. Two tempered definitions are introduced with a smooth and sharp cutoff, by the exponential term and Heaviside function, respectively and we also define the horizon of non-local interactions. We further study the equivalence between the two definitions.