Stochastic Perturbations in Vortex Tube Dynamics

A dual lattice vortex formulation of homogeneous turbulence is developed, within the Martin-Siggia-Rose field theoretical approach. It consists of a generalization of the usual dipole version of the Navier-Stokes equations, known to hold in the limit of vanishing external forcing. We investigate, as a straightforward application of our formalism, the dynamics of closed vortex tubes, randomly stirred at large length scales by gaussian stochastic forces. We find that besides the usual self-induced propagation, the vortex tube evolution may be effectively modeled through the introduction of an additional white-noise correlated velocity field background. The resulting phenomenological picture is closely related to observations previously reported from a wavelet decomposition analysis of turbulent flow configurations.Comment: 16 pages + 2 eps figures, REVTeX

Fluctuation-response relation in turbulent systems

We address the problem of measuring time-properties of Response Functions (Green functions) in Gaussian models (Orszag-McLaughin) and strongly non-Gaussian models (shell models for turbulence). We introduce the concept of {\it halving time statistics} to have a statistically stable tool to quantify the time decay of Response Functions and Generalized Response Functions of high order. We show numerically that in shell models for three dimensional turbulence Response Functions are inertial range quantities. This is a strong indication that the invariant measure describing the shell-velocity fluctuations is characterized by short range interactions between neighboring shells

Stabilization of Hydrodynamic Flows by Small Viscosity Variations

Motivated by the large effect of turbulent drag reduction by minute concentrations of polymers we study the effects of a weakly space-dependent viscosity on the stability of hydrodynamic flows. In a recent Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 87}, 174501, (2001)] we exposed the crucial role played by a localized region where the energy of fluctuations is produced by interactions with the mean flow (the "critical layer"). We showed that a layer of weakly space-dependent viscosity placed near the critical layer can have a very large stabilizing effect on hydrodynamic fluctuations, retarding significantly the onset of turbulence. In this paper we extend these observation in two directions: first we show that the strong stabilization of the primary instability is also obtained when the viscosity profile is realistic (inferred from simulations of turbulent flows with a small concentration of polymers). Second, we analyze the secondary instability (around the time-dependent primary instability) and find similar strong stabilization. Since the secondary instability develops around a time-dependent solution and is three-dimensional, this brings us closer to the turbulent case. We reiterate that the large effect is {\em not} due to a modified dissipation (as is assumed in some theories of drag reduction), but due to reduced energy intake from the mean flow to the fluctuations. We propose that similar physics act in turbulent drag reduction.Comment: 10 pages, 17 figs., REVTeX4, PRE, submitte

On the fourth-order accurate compact ADI scheme for solving the unsteady Nonlinear Coupled Burgers' Equations

The two-dimensional unsteady coupled Burgers' equations with moderate to severe gradients, are solved numerically using higher-order accurate finite difference schemes; namely the fourth-order accurate compact ADI scheme, and the fourth-order accurate Du Fort Frankel scheme. The question of numerical stability and convergence are presented. Comparisons are made between the present schemes in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency for solving problems with severe internal and boundary gradients. The present study shows that the fourth-order compact ADI scheme is stable and efficient

Efficient Algorithm on a Non-staggered Mesh for Simulating Rayleigh-Benard Convection in a Box

An efficient semi-implicit second-order-accurate finite-difference method is described for studying incompressible Rayleigh-Benard convection in a box, with sidewalls that are periodic, thermally insulated, or thermally conducting. Operator-splitting and a projection method reduce the algorithm at each time step to the solution of four Helmholtz equations and one Poisson equation, and these are are solved by fast direct methods. The method is numerically stable even though all field values are placed on a single non-staggered mesh commensurate with the boundaries. The efficiency and accuracy of the method are characterized for several representative convection problems.Comment: REVTeX, 30 pages, 5 figure

Generation of Large-Scale Vorticity in a Homogeneous Turbulence with a Mean Velocity Shear

An effect of a mean velocity shear on a turbulence and on the effective force which is determined by the gradient of Reynolds stresses is studied. Generation of a mean vorticity in a homogeneous incompressible turbulent flow with an imposed mean velocity shear due to an excitation of a large-scale instability is found. The instability is caused by a combined effect of the large-scale shear motions (''skew-induced" deflection of equilibrium mean vorticity) and ''Reynolds stress-induced" generation of perturbations of mean vorticity. Spatial characteristics, such as the minimum size of the growing perturbations and the size of perturbations with the maximum growth rate, are determined. This instability and the dynamics of the mean vorticity are associated with the Prandtl's turbulent secondary flows. This instability is similar to the mean-field magnetic dynamo instability. Astrophysical applications of the obtained results are discussed.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, REVTEX4, submitted to Phys. Rev.

Revisiting the Local Scaling Hypothesis in Stably Stratified Atmospheric Boundary Layer Turbulence: an Integration of Field and Laboratory Measurements with Large-eddy Simulations

The `local scaling' hypothesis, first introduced by Nieuwstadt two decades ago, describes the turbulence structure of stable boundary layers in a very succinct way and is an integral part of numerous local closure-based numerical weather prediction models. However, the validity of this hypothesis under very stable conditions is a subject of on-going debate. In this work, we attempt to address this controversial issue by performing extensive analyses of turbulence data from several field campaigns, wind-tunnel experiments and large-eddy simulations. Wide range of stabilities, diverse field conditions and a comprehensive set of turbulence statistics make this study distinct

Chebyshev Solution of the Nearly-Singular One-Dimensional Helmholtz Equation and Related Singular Perturbation Equations: Multiple Scale Series and the Boundary Layer Rule-of-Thumb

The one-dimensional Helmholtz equation, ε 2 u xx − u = f ( x ), arises in many applications, often as a component of three-dimensional fluids codes. Unfortunately, it is difficult to solve for ε≪1 because the homogeneous solutions are exp (± x /ε), which have boundary layers of thickness O(1/ε). By analyzing the asymptotic Chebyshev coefficients of exponentials, we rederive the Orszag–Israeli rule [16] that Chebyshev polynomials are needed to obtain an accuracy of 1% or better for the homogeneous solutions. (Interestingly, this is identical with the boundary layer rule-of-thumb in [5], which was derived for singular functions like tanh([ x −1]/ε).) Two strategies for small ε are described. The first is the method of multiple scales, which is very general, and applies to variable coefficient differential equations, too. The second, when f ( x ) is a polynomial, is to compute an exact particular integral of the Helmholtz equation as a polynomial of the same degree in the form of a Chebyshev series by solving triangular pentadiagonal systems. This can be combined with the analytic homogeneous solutions to synthesize the general solution. However, the multiple scales method is more efficient than the Chebyshev algorithm when ε is very, very tiny.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45436/1/11075_2004_Article_2865.pd

Electromotive Force and Large-Scale Magnetic Dynamo in a Turbulent Flow with a Mean Shear

An effect of sheared large-scale motions on a mean electromotive force in a nonrotating turbulent flow of a conducting fluid is studied. It is demonstrated that in a homogeneous divergence-free turbulent flow the alpha-effect does not exist, however a mean magnetic field can be generated even in a nonrotating turbulence with an imposed mean velocity shear due to a new ''shear-current" effect. A contribution to the electromotive force related with the symmetric parts of the gradient tensor of the mean magnetic field (the kappa-effect) is found in a nonrotating turbulent flows with a mean shear. The kappa-effect and turbulent magnetic diffusion reduce the growth rate of the mean magnetic field. It is shown that a mean magnetic field can be generated when the exponent of the energy spectrum of the background turbulence (without the mean velocity shear) is less than 2. The ''shear-current" effect was studied using two different methods: the Orszag third-order closure procedure and the stochastic calculus. Astrophysical applications of the obtained results are discussed.Comment: 12 pages, REVTEX4, submitted to Phys. Rev.