Finite-time thermodynamics of shear flows - modelling attractors of simple to complex dynamics

A finite-time thermodynamics formalism is proposed to compute mean flow and fluctuation levels of unsteady incompressible flows. The formalism builds upon a Galerkin model framework (see Noack et al., J. Noneqilib. Thermodyn. 33 (2008) 103-148) and is applied to a periodic vortex shedding regime behind a circular cylinder, homogeneous shear turbulence and the Burgers equation.