Fourth-order statistical moments of the velocity gradient tensor in homogeneous, isotropic turbulence

A compact expression of fourth-order statistical moments of the velocity gradient tensor in homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible turbulence is obtained as a function of its invariants and of generic components of the velocity gradient. This single, compact expression is in full agreement with the four different expressions previously obtained by Siggia as functions of the same invariants and of generic components of the vorticity vector and the strain tensor; however, some discrepancies arise with respect to a similar, single expression obtained by Phan-Thien and Antonia. The used algorithm may be easily extended to handle higher order statistical moments of the velocity gradient. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.