Summary Chart of Incompressible Flow Turbulence Models

The order is from least complex to most complex. Created by John M. Cimbala

Consider incompressible flow without buoyancy, but the flow is three-dimensional.

DNS is included for completeness, even though it is not a turbulence model.
Number of
Model
additional Assumptions/Approximations/Models
Classification
transport eqs.

Algebraic models
Mixing
(zero-equation 0
length
models)
Boussinesq eddy viscosity
One-equation model,
1
models uiu j 23 K ij + 2 e Sij

Two-equation
2
models

Algebraic Nonlinear extension of Boussinesq

Reynolds stress eddy viscosity model,
2
models (ASM) uiu j 23 K ij + 2 e Eij +
additional higher-order terms
Reynolds stress Solve for ensemble-averaged
models (RSM) quantities only (no details about
& Anisotropic 7 time-dependent turbulence
Dissipation Rate quantities)
models
Detached Eddy additional
Simulation (DES) equations in Model all turbulent scales,
& similar hybrid RANS regions but only in RANS regions
models (PANS) only
0 (algebraic)
Large Eddy or 1 (transport) Exact time-dependent Model small-scale
Simulation (LES) for smallest solution of large scales turbulence
scales only

Direct Numerical Exact - solve all scales of

0 turbulence (small to large)
Simulation (DNS)