On fully self-preserving solutions in homogeneous turbulence

Abstract

Mathematical attributes of full self-preserving solutions (‘full’ meaning self-similar at all scales with non-zero viscosity) for isotropic decay as well as for homogeneous shear flow turbulence are examined from a fundamental theoretical standpoint. Fully self-preserving solutions are those wherein the two-point double and triple velocity correlations are self-similar at all scales. It is shown that the full self-preserving solutions for isotropic decay corresponds to a t −1 asymptotic power law decay, consistent with earlier studies. Fully self-preserving solutions for homogeneous shear flow correspond to a production-equals-dissipation equilibrium, with bounded turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation. It is then shown that the fully self-preserving solutions of isotropic decay and of homogeneous shear flow both require severe constraints on the behavior of the low-wavenumber energy spectra. These constraints render the full self-preserving solutions as mathematical consistent but having no physical relevance. The implications of the dependence of the full self-preserving solutions on the low-wavenumber spectra for one-point (engineering) turbulence models is discussed. Invited speaker, Santa Fe CNLS-LANL Workshop on Turbulence and Cascade.