Rapid distortion theory for compressible homogeneous turbulence under isotropic mean strain

Isotropic compressible turbulence subjected to rapid isotropic compression is studied using inviscid rapid distortion theory (RDT) and direct numerical simulation. An exact solution to the rapid distortion problem is given. Comparisons are made between the simulation results and the RDT solution, as well as previously studied limiting cases of the RDT solution. The comparisons illustrate the range of applicability of the RDT solutions. Implications for the use of RDT results in modeling compressible turbulent flows are briefly discussed. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.