The Structure of Turbulent Shear Flow By Dr. A. A. Townsend. Pp. xii + 315. 8¾ in. × 5½ in. (Cambridge: At the University Press.) 40s.

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The Structure of Turbulent Shear Flow

A direct numerical simulation of incompressible channel flow at a friction Reynolds number ( ) of 5186 has been performed, and the flow exhibits a number of the characteristics of high-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulent flows. For example, a region where the mean velocity has a logarithmic variation is observed, with von Karman constant . There is also a logarithmic dependence of the variance of the spanwise velocity component, though not the streamwise component. A distinct separation of scales exists between the large outer-layer structures and small inner-layer structures. At intermediate distances from the wall, the one-dimensional spectrum of the streamwise velocity fluctuation in both the streamwise and spanwise directions exhibits dependence over a short range in wavenumber . Further, consistent with previous experimental observations, when these spectra are multiplied by (premultiplied spectra), they have a bimodal structure with local peaks located at wavenumbers on either side of the range.

Direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow up to

We review wall-bounded turbulent flows, particularly high–Reynolds number, zero–pressure gradient boundary layers, and fully developed pipe and channel flows. It is apparent that the approach to an asymptotically high–Reynolds number state is slow, but at a sufficiently high Reynolds number the log law remains a fundamental part of the mean flow description. With regard to the coherent motions, very-large-scale motions or superstructures exist at all Reynolds numbers, but they become increasingly important with Reynolds number in terms of their energy content and their interaction with the smaller scales near the wall. There is accumulating evidence that certain features are flow specific, such as the constants in the log law and the behavior of the very large scales and their interaction with the large scales (consisting of vortex packets). Moreover, the refined attached-eddy hypothesis continues to provide an important theoretical framework for the structure of wall-bounded turbulent flows.

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High–Reynolds Number Wall Turbulence

Wall-bounded turbulent flows at high Reynolds numbers have become an increasingly active area of research in recent years. Many challenges remain in theory, scaling, physical understanding, experimental techniques, and numerical simulations. In this paper we distill the salient advances of recent origin, particularly those that challenge textbook orthodoxy. Some of the outstanding questions, such as the extent of the logarithmic overlap layer, the universality or otherwise of the principal model parameters such as the von Karman “constant,” the parametrization of roughness effects, and the scaling of mean flow and Reynolds stresses, are highlighted. Research avenues that may provide answers to these questions, notably the improvement of measuring techniques and the construction of new facilities, are identified. We also highlight aspects where differences of opinion persist, with the expectation that this discussion might mark the beginning of their resolution.

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Wall-bounded turbulent flows at high Reynolds numbers: Recent advances and key issues

/pdf/large-scale-amplitude-modulation-of-the-small-scale-2qmsbew9jd.pdf

Large-scale amplitude modulation of the small-scale structures in turbulent boundary layers

The behavior of turbulent fluid motion, particularly in the thin chaotic fluid layers immediately adjacent to solid boundaries, can be difficult to understand or predict. These layers account for up to 50% of the aerodynamic drag on modern airliners and occupy the first 100 meters or so of the atmosphere, thus governing wider meteorological phenomena. The physics of these layers is such that the most important processes occur very close to the solid boundary—the region where accurate measurements and simulations are most challenging. We propose a mathematical model to predict the near-wall turbulence given only large-scale information from the outer boundary layer region. This predictive capability may enable new strategies for the control of turbulence and may provide a basis for improved engineering and weather prediction simulations.

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/329/5988/193.full.pdf

Predictive Model for Wall-Bounded Turbulent Flow

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A predictive inner-outer model for streamwise turbulence statistics in wall-bounded flows

Research into high-Reynolds-number turbulent boundary layers in recent years has brought about a renewed interest in the larger-scale structures. It is now known that these structures emerge more prominently in the outer region not only due to increased Reynolds number (Metzger & Klewicki, Phys. Fluids, vol. 13(3), 2001, pp. 692–701; Hutchins & Marusic, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 579, 2007, pp. 1–28), but also when a boundary layer is exposed to an adverse pressure gradient (Bradshaw, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 29, 1967, pp. 625–645; Lee & Sung, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 639, 2009, pp. 101–131). The latter case has not received as much attention in the literature. As such, this work investigates the modification of the large-scale features of boundary layers subjected to zero, adverse and favourable pressure gradients. It is first shown that the mean velocities, turbulence intensities and turbulence production are significantly different in the outer region across the three cases. Spectral and scale decomposition analyses confirm that the large scales are more energized throughout the entire adverse pressure gradient boundary layer, especially in the outer region. Although more energetic, there is a similar spectral distribution of energy in the wake region, implying the geometrical structure of the outer layer remains universal in all cases. Comparisons are also made of the amplitude modulation of small scales by the large-scale motions for the three pressure gradient cases. The wall-normal location of the zero-crossing of small-scale amplitude modulation is found to increase with increasing pressure gradient, yet this location continues to coincide with the large-scale energetic peak wall-normal location (as has been observed in zero pressure gradient boundary layers). The amplitude modulation effect is found to increase as pressure gradient is increased from favourable to adverse.

Pressure gradient effects on the large-scale structure of turbulent boundary layers

https://people.eng.unimelb.edu.au/imarusic/publications/Journals/Marusic_IntJHeatFluidFlow_2010.pdf

Romain Mathis

Papers

Large-scale amplitude modulation of the small-scale structures in turbulent boundary layers

Predictive Model for Wall-Bounded Turbulent Flow

A predictive inner-outer model for streamwise turbulence statistics in wall-bounded flows

Pressure gradient effects on the large-scale structure of turbulent boundary layers

High Reynolds number effects in wall turbulence