Improved Fokker–Planck model for the joint scalar, scalar gradient PDF

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Abstract
The joint scalar, scalar gradient probability density function (PDF) of an inert nonpremixed scalar diffusing in a one-dimensional system of random-sized lamellas is investigated by numerical simulation. The form of the scalar PDF, at a given RMS value, is nearly identical to that predicted by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of scalar mixing in isotropic turbulence and the mapping closure, and the moments of both the scalar and the scalar gradient suggest that their limiting marginal PDF are Gaussian. The joint scalar, scalar gradient PDF is found to be restricted to a bounded region in the scalar–scalar gradient plane, whose form is independent of the initial mixing ratio. These results are incorporated into the Fokker–Planck (FP) model for the joint scalar, scalar gradient PDF, and the improved model shows good agreement with numerical simulation data. An extension of the FP model that includes random stretching of the scalar gradient in isotropic turbulence is formulated.