Direct comparisons are made between curvature-corrected eddy viscosity models and the present experimental data. The results show that the curvature effects can be quantified through a curvature parameter R$sub$c/ or S$sub$c/ and a non-equilibrium value of p/$varepsilon$. The data reveal a significant dependence of the eddy viscosity on the curvature and strain history for a fluid in a stabilizing curvature field, S$sub$c/>1.0. Especially, experimental result shows that the eddy viscosity coefficient ratio at S$sub$c/=3 changes from 10 to -10 although shear rate preserved constant. It is therefore suggested that proper curvature modifications, particularly the strain history effect, must be introduced into current eddy viscosity models for their application to turbulent flows subjected to curvature straining field for a non-negligible period of time.