On the frame dependence and form invariance of the transport equations for the Reynolds stress tensor and the turbulence heat flux vector: Its consequences on closure models in turbulence modelling (Q1368296)

The paper shows that the transport equations governing second-order turbulent closures are form invariant, but remain frame-dependent through the emergence of the body force; thus they do not fulfil the principle of material frame indifference. However, this frame dependence corresponds to that today well developed in the framework of the concept of extended thermodynamics. Following this concept, these relations are consequently incorporated as additional basic balance laws. The results are: 1) in the case of the Reynolds-stress-transport equation, this eliminates the constraints imposed on turbulence models; 2) to ensure the closure of the new set of basic balance laws, closure assumptions can then be considered as proper constitutive equations which must be restricted by the well-known constitutive theory principles in extended thermodynamics.