A tensor invariant model equation for the turbulent energy dissipation rate is proposed in the present study, which is able to simulate secondary straining effects such as curvature effects without the introduction of additional empirical input. The source term in this model has a combined form of the generation term due to the mean vorticity with the conventional one due to the mean strain rate. An extended low-Reynolds-number $k-epsilon$ turbulence model involving this new model equation is tested for a turbulent Coutte flow between coaxial cylinders with inner cylinder rotated, which is a well defined example of curved flows. The predicted results indicate that the present model works much better for this flow, compared with previous models.