Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Submitted Successfully!
Thank you for your contribution! You can also upload a video entry or images related to this topic. For video creation, please contact our Academic Video Service.
Version Summary Created by Modification Content Size Created at Operation
1 Eng Editorial Office -- 194 2026-09-18 06:25:18

Video Upload Options

We provide professional Academic Video Service to translate complex research into visually appealing presentations. Would you like to try it?
Cite
If you have any further questions, please contact Encyclopedia Editorial Office.
Zheng, L. Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60132 (accessed on 22 September 2026).
Zheng L. Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60132. Accessed September 22, 2026.
Zheng, Lionel. "Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60132 (accessed September 22, 2026).
Zheng, L. (2026, September 18). Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60132
Zheng, Lionel. "Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes." Encyclopedia. Web. 18 September, 2026.
Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes
Edit

The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations are the time-averaged form of the Navier–Stokes equations obtained by decomposing each instantaneous flow variable into a mean (time-averaged) component and a fluctuating turbulent component, then averaging the equations over time or ensemble [1]. Substituting the decomposed velocity and pressure into the instantaneous Navier–Stokes equations and averaging introduces an additional unknown term—the Reynolds stress tensor, representing the momentum transport by turbulent fluctuations—so that the RANS system is no longer closed and requires a turbulence model to relate the Reynolds stresses to the mean flow field [1]. The closure problem is resolved by eddy-viscosity models, which express the Reynolds stresses through an eddy (turbulent) viscosity obtained from algebraic, one-equation, or two-equation transport models, or by Reynolds-stress transport models that solve transport equations for the individual stress components [2]. RANS equations predict only the statistically averaged mean flow rather than resolved turbulent motions, and are distinguished from direct numerical simulation, which resolves all scales, and from large-eddy simulation, which resolves large eddies while modeling only small scales [3].

Reynolds‑Averaged Navier‑Stokes RANS Reynolds decomposition turbulence closure mean flow equations

References

  1. Stephen B. Pope. Turbulent Flows; Cambridge University Press (CUP): Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2000. [CrossRef]
  2. Wilcox, D.C. Turbulence Modeling for CFD, 3rd ed.; DCW Industries: La Cañada, CA, 2006. ISBN: 9781928729082.
  3. Versteeg, H.K.; Malalasekera, W. An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The Finite Volume Method, 2nd ed.; Pearson Prentice Hall: Harlow, UK, 2007. ISBN: 9788131720486.
More
Upload a video for this entry
Information
Contributor MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register : Eng Editorial Office
View Times: 2
Entry Collection: Eng
Revision: 1 time (View History)
Update Date: 18 Sep 2026
Notice
You are not a member of the advisory board for this topic. If you want to update advisory board member profile, please contact office@encyclopedia.pub.
OK
Confirm
Only members of the Encyclopedia advisory board for this topic are allowed to note entries. Would you like to become an advisory board member of the Encyclopedia?
Yes
No
${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
There is no comment~
${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
${ selectedItem.replyTextCharacter }/${ selectedItem.replyMaxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
Confirm
Are you sure to Delete?
Yes No
Academic Video Service