The effect of streamline curvature on decaying grid turbulence

Measurements on decaying grid turbulence subject to streamline curvature demonstrate that the extra mean strain rate imposed by streamline curvature can alter the evolution of turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stress. For a mean velocity profile that is idealized as a potential vortex, the irrotational shearing strain results in production of turbulent shear stress and subsequently turbulent kinetiic energy. The dissipation rate is unaffected by streamline curvature. The net result is a decrease in the rate of decay of turbulent energy, relative to the rate of decay in a flow without streamline curvature.