Abstract
In the pdf approach to turbulent combustion the molecular diffusion is to be modeled. In recent years, several authors have employed the Curl model (Curl, 1963) for closure. A modified version of the Curl model has been introduced by Pope (1982b). The modified model contains an unspecified function A∥α) [cf. Eq. (la)] which has been defined in the context of Monte-Carlo simulation. The paper Clarifies the physical meaning of this function by relating it to the physics of the initial phase of mixing of an inert scalar in homogeneous turbulence. A relationship is established between the modified Curl model and the linear mean square estimation closure introduced by Dopazo and O'Brien (1976). The asymptotic behavior of the pdf is discussed.