Some observations on Reynolds number scaling in wall-bounded flows

Abstract

Wall-bounded turbulence is sometimes described as consisting of hierarchies of similar structures. This is embodied in the Attached Eddy Model, and at high Reynolds numbers this model predicts a logarithmic variation of the turbulence intensity with distance from the wall. The high Reynolds number experiments described here confirm this behavior, but they also reveal new aspects such as the slower than expected rise in the near-wall peak, and the unexpected appearance of an outer layer peak. Turbulence remains an elusive phenomenon.