scholarly journals Third-order structure functions for isotropic turbulence with bidirectional energy transfer

2019 ◽  
Vol 877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Han Xie ◽  
Oliver Bühler
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Isotropic Turbulence ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Stratified Turbulence ◽  
Mhd Turbulence ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Transfer Rates

We derive and test a new heuristic theory for third-order structure functions that resolves the forcing scale in the scenario of simultaneous spectral energy transfer to both small and large scales, which can occur naturally, for example, in rotating stratified turbulence or magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) turbulence. The theory has three parameters – namely the upscale/downscale energy transfer rates and the forcing scale – and it includes the classic inertial-range theories as local limits. When applied to measured data, our global-in-scale theory can deduce the energy transfer rates using the full range of data, therefore it has broader applications compared with the local theories, especially in situations where the data is imperfect. In addition, because of the resolution of forcing scales, the new theory can detect the scales of energy input, which was impossible before. We test our new theory with a two-dimensional simulation of MHD turbulence.

Exact third-order structure functions for two-dimensional turbulence

2018 ◽  
Vol 851 ◽  
pp. 672-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Han Xie ◽  
Oliver Bühler
Keyword(s):  
Structure Functions ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Transfer Rates ◽  
The Third ◽  
Random Forcing ◽  
Asymptotic Expressions ◽  
Special Case

We derive and investigate exact expressions for third-order structure functions in stationary isotropic two-dimensional turbulence, assuming a statistical balance between random forcing and dissipation both at small and large scales. Our results extend previously derived asymptotic expressions in the enstrophy and energy inertial ranges by providing uniformly valid expressions that apply across the entire non-dissipative range, which, importantly, includes the forcing scales. In the special case of white noise in time forcing this leads to explicit predictions for the third-order structure functions, which are successfully tested against previously published high-resolution numerical simulations. We also consider spectral energy transfer rates and suggest and test a simple robust diagnostic formula that is useful when forcing is applied at more than one scale.

Two-dimensional isotropic inertia–gravity wave turbulence

2019 ◽  
Vol 872 ◽  
pp. 752-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Han Xie ◽  
Oliver Bühler
Keyword(s):  
Total Energy ◽  
Isotropic Turbulence ◽  
Vertical Plane ◽  
Boussinesq Equations ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Wave Turbulence ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Third Order

We present an idealized study of rotating stratified wave turbulence in a two-dimensional vertical slice model of the Boussinesq equations, focusing on the peculiar case of equal Coriolis and buoyancy frequencies. In this case the fully nonlinear fluid dynamics can be shown to be isotropic in the vertical plane, which allows the classical methods of isotropic turbulence to be applied. Contrary to ordinary two-dimensional turbulence, here a robust downscale flux of total energy is observed in numerical simulations that span the full parameter regime between Ozmidov and forcing scales. Notably, this robust downscale flux of the total energy does not hold separately for its various kinetic and potential components, which can exhibit both upscale and downscale fluxes, depending on the parameter regime. Using a suitable extension of the classical Kármán–Howarth–Monin equation, exact expressions that link third-order structure functions and the spectral energy flux are derived and tested against numerical results. These expressions make obvious that even though the total energy is robustly transferred downscale, the third-order structure functions are sign indefinite, which illustrates that the sign and the form of measured third-order structure functions are both crucially important in determining the direction of the spectral energy transfer.

scholarly journals Third-order structure functions in rotating and stratified turbulence: a comparison between numerical, analytical and observational results

2014 ◽  
Vol 755 ◽  
pp. 294-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Deusebio ◽  
P. Augier ◽  
E. Lindborg
Keyword(s):  
Structure Function ◽  
Velocity Structure ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Energy Cascade ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Temperature Structure ◽  
Stratified Turbulence ◽  
Third Order ◽  
The Third ◽  
Spectral Flux

AbstractFirst, we review analytical and observational studies on third-order structure functions including velocity and buoyancy increments in rotating and stratified turbulence and discuss how these functions can be used in order to estimate the flux of energy through different scales in a turbulent cascade. In particular, we suggest that the negative third-order velocity–temperature–temperature structure function that was measured by Lindborg & Cho (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 85, 2000, p. 5663) using stratospheric aircraft data may be used in order to estimate the downscale flux of available potential energy (APE) through the mesoscales. Then, we calculate third-order structure functions from idealized simulations of forced stratified and rotating turbulence and compare with mesoscale results from the lower stratosphere. In the range of scales with a downscale energy cascade of kinetic energy (KE) and APE we find that the third-order structure functions display a negative linear dependence on separation distance $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}} r $, in agreement with observation and supporting the interpretation of the stratospheric data as evidence of a downscale energy cascade. The spectral flux of APE can be estimated from the relevant third-order structure function. However, while the sign of the spectral flux of KE is correctly predicted by using the longitudinal third-order structure functions, its magnitude is overestimated by a factor of two. We also evaluate the third-order velocity structure functions that are not parity invariant and therefore display a cyclonic–anticyclonic asymmetry. In agreement with the results from the stratosphere, we find that these functions have an approximate $ r^{2} $-dependence, with strong dominance of cyclonic motions.

scholarly journals ANISOTROPY OF THIRD-ORDER STRUCTURE FUNCTIONS IN MHD TURBULENCE

2015 ◽  
Vol 804 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Verdini ◽  
Roland Grappin ◽  
Petr Hellinger ◽  
Simone Landi ◽  
Wolf Christian Müller
Keyword(s):  
Structure Functions ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Mhd Turbulence ◽  
Third Order

scholarly journals Structure function measurements of the intermittent MHD turbulent cascade

1997 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. S. Horbury ◽  
A. Balogh
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Solar Wind Plasma ◽  
Turbulent Energy ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Magnetic Field Data ◽  
Spacecraft Data ◽  
Turbulent Cascade

Abstract. The intertmittent nature of turbulence within solar wind plasma has been demonstrated by several studies of spacecraft data. Using magnetic field data taken in high speed flows at high heliographic latitudes by the Ulysses probe, the character of fluctuations within the inertia] range is discussed. Structure functions are used extensively. A simple consideration of errors associated with calculations of high moment structure functions is shown to be useful as a practical estimate of the reliability of such calculations. For data sets of around 300 000 points, structure functions of moments above 5 are rarely reliable on the basis of this test, highlighting the importance of considering uncertainties in such calculations. When unreliable results are excluded, it is shown that inertial range polar fluctuations are well described by a multifractal model of turbulent energy transfer. Detailed consideration of the scaling of high order structure functions suggests energy transfer consistent with a "Kolmogorov" cascade.

scholarly journals Kappa Distributions and Isotropic Turbulence

Entropy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 1093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias Gravanis ◽  
Evangelos Akylas ◽  
Constantinos Panagiotou ◽  
George Livadiotis
Keyword(s):  
Minimal Model ◽  
Model Comparison ◽  
Isotropic Turbulence ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Kappa Distribution ◽  
Symmetric Part ◽  
Kappa Index ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Symmetry Properties ◽  
Temperature Parameter

In this work, the two-point probability density function (PDF) for the velocity field of isotropic turbulence is modeled using the kappa distribution and the concept of superstatistics. The PDF consists of a symmetric and an anti-symmetric part, whose symmetry properties follow from the reflection symmetry of isotropic turbulence, and the associated non-trivial conditions are established. The symmetric part is modeled by the kappa distribution. The anti-symmetric part, constructed in the context of superstatistics, is a novel function whose simplest form (called “the minimal model”) is solely dictated by the symmetry conditions. We obtain that the ensemble of eddies of size up to a given length r has a temperature parameter given by the second order structure function and a kappa-index related to the second and the third order structure functions. The latter relationship depends on the inverse temperature parameter (gamma) distribution of the superstatistics and it is not specific to the minimal model. Comparison with data from direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulence shows that our model is applicable within the dissipation subrange of scales. Also, the derived PDF of the velocity gradient shows excellent agreement with the DNS in six orders of magnitude. Future developments, in the context of superstatistics, are also discussed.

Structure functions of turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer over the ocean

1970 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. W. Van Atta ◽  
W. Y. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Fourth Order ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Inertial Subrange ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Order Quantities

Structure functions of turbulent velocity fluctuations up to fourth order have been measured at several heights in the atmospheric boundary layer over the open ocean, and the results are compared with theoretical predictions for separations in the inertial subrange. The behaviour of second- and third-order quantities shows substantial agreement with the predictions of Kolmogorov's original theory over a wide range of separations, but the results of a recent modification of the theory, attempting to account for intermittency in the local dissipation rate, are also consistent with the data over somewhat shorter separation intervals. The behaviour of the measured fourth-order structure function disagrees with that predicted from Kolmogorov's original work, but good agreement is found with the results of the modified theory.

Measurements of spectral energy transfer in grid turbulence

1969 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. W. Van Atta ◽  
W. Y. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Dynamical Equation ◽  
Isotropic Turbulence ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Grid Turbulence ◽  
Local Isotropy ◽  
Isotropic Energy ◽  
Direct Interaction Approximation

Direct measurements of the energy transfer spectrum in locally isotropic grid turbulence have been used to determine the extent of validity for grid turbulence of the dynamical equation for the three-dimensional energy spectrum in isotropic turbulence. The extent of applicability of the isotropic energy balance is consistent with the usual local isotropy criterion based on energy spectra alone.The present results are in general agreement with some previous measurements by Uberoi, who determined the transfer spectrum assuming the strict validity of the isotropic dynamical equation. The measured energy transfer spectra are quantitatively similar to those calculated by Kraichnan using the direct-interaction approximation.

scholarly journals Shallow water wave turbulence

2019 ◽  
Vol 874 ◽  
pp. 1169-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Augier ◽  
Ashwin Vishnu Mohanan ◽  
Erik Lindborg
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Water Wave ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Wave Turbulence ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Shallow Water Wave ◽  
The Mean

The dynamics of irrotational shallow water wave turbulence forced at large scales and dissipated at small scales is investigated. First, we derive the shallow water analogue of the ‘four-fifths law’ of Kolmogorov turbulence for a third-order structure function involving velocity and displacement increments. Using this relation and assuming that the flow is dominated by shocks, we develop a simple model predicting that the shock amplitude scales as $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}d)^{1/3}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}$ is the mean dissipation rate and $d$ the mean distance between the shocks, and that the $p$th-order displacement and velocity structure functions scale as $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}d)^{p/3}r/d$, where $r$ is the separation. Then we carry out a series of forced simulations with resolutions up to $7680^{2}$, varying the Froude number, $F_{f}=(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}L_{f})^{1/3}/c$, where $L_{f}$ is the forcing length scale and $c$ is the wave speed. In all simulations a stationary state is reached in which there is a constant spectral energy flux and equipartition between kinetic and potential energy in the constant flux range. The third-order structure function relation is satisfied with a high degree of accuracy. Mean energy is found to scale approximately as $E\sim \sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}L_{f}c}$, and is also dependent on resolution, indicating that shallow water wave turbulence does not fit into the paradigm of a Richardson–Kolmogorov cascade. In all simulations shocks develop, displayed as long thin bands of negative divergence in flow visualisations. The mean distance between the shocks is found to scale as $d\sim F_{f}^{1/2}L_{f}$. Structure functions of second and higher order are found to scale in good agreement with the model. We conclude that in the weak limit, $F_{f}\rightarrow 0$, shocks will become denser and weaker and finally disappear for a finite Reynolds number. On the other hand, for a given $F_{f}$, no matter how small, shocks will prevail if the Reynolds number is sufficiently large.

Applicability of Kolmogorov's and Monin's equations of turbulence

1997 ◽  
Vol 353 ◽  
pp. 67-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
REGINALD J. HILL
Keyword(s):  
Structure Function ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Inertial Range ◽  
Homogeneous Turbulence ◽  
Order Structure ◽  
Third Order ◽  
Local Isotropy ◽  
The Third ◽  
Moderate Reynolds Number ◽  
Wide Range

The equation relating second- and third-order velocity structure functions was presented by Kolmogorov; Monin attempted to derive that equation on the basis of local isotropy. Recently, concerns have been raised to the effect that Kolmogorov's equation and an ancillary incompressibility condition governing the third-order structure function were proven only on the restrictive basis of isotropy and that the statistic involving pressure that appears in the derivation of Kolmogorov's equation might not vanish on the basis of local isotropy. These concerns are resolved. In so doing, results are obtained for the second- and third-order statistics on the basis of local homogeneity without use of local isotropy. These results are applicable to future studies of the approach toward local isotropy. Accuracy of Kolmogorov's equation is shown to be more sensitive to anisotropy of the third-order structure function than to anisotropy of the second-order structure function. Kolmogorov's 4/5 law for the inertial range of the third-order structure function is obtained without use of the incompressibility conditions on the second- and third-order structure functions. A generalization of Kolmogorov's 4/5 law, which applies to the inertial range of locally homogeneous turbulence at very large Reynolds numbers, is shown to also apply to the energy-containing range for the more restrictive case of stationary, homogeneous turbulence. The variety of derivations of Kolmogorov's and Monin's equations leads to a wide range of applicability to experimental conditions, including, in some cases, turbulence of moderate Reynolds number.

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