Maximum-entropy closure for a Galerkin model of an incompressible periodic wake

A statistical closure is proposed for a Galerkin model of an incompressible periodic cylinder wake. This closure employs Jaynes' maximum entropy principle to infer the probability distribution for mode amplitudes using exact statistical balance equations as side constraints. The analysis predicts mean amplitude values and modal energy levels in good agreement with direct Navier-Stokes simulation. In addition, it provides an analytical equation for the modal energy distribution.