Numerical simulation of the effects of Coriolis force on the structure of turbulence (2nd report, Structure of turbulence)

Abstract

Characteristics of the structure of turbulent flow in a rotating channel have been investigated numerically using Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The authors' previous paper reported successful prediction of the global effect of Coriolis force by simulation. In this paper, attention is focused on the behaviour of large eddies, and the mechanism of production of turbulence under the action of Coriolis force is discussed. LES is confirmed to be useful in simulating actual turbulent eddies to obtain information which is difficult to get experimentally. It is suggested that, in the Coriolis force field, the so-called sweep and eject, which make a positive contribution to the production of Reynolds stress and turbulent energy, are intensified, while contribution of interaction varies little, on the pressure surface side. Contrarily, on the stabilized side, the streak structure, which is closely associated with the production of turbulence, is observed to disappear.