Scaling Laws In Turbulence Research Articles

Evidence of a forward energy cascade and Kolmogorov self-similarity in submesoscale ocean surface drifter observations

Using two-point velocity and position data from the near-simultaneous release of O(100) GPS-tracked surface drifters in the northern Gulf of Mexico, we examine the applicability of classical turbulent scaling laws to upper ocean velocity fields. The dataset allows direct estimates of both velocity structure functions and the temporal evolution of the distribution of particle pair separations. On 100 m-10 km spatial scales, and time scales of order 1-10 days, all metrics of the observed surface fluctuations are consistent with standard Kolmogorov turbulence theory in an energy cascade inertial-range regime. The sign of the third-order structure function is negative and proportional to the separation distance for scales ≲10 km where local, fluctuating Rossby numbers are found to be larger than 0.1. The scale-independent energy dissipation rate, or downscale spectral flux, estimated from Kolmogorov’s 4/5th law in this regime closely matches nearby microscale dissipation measurements in the near-surface. In contrast, similar statistics derived from a like-sized set of synthetic drifters advected by purely geostrophic altimetric AVISO data agree well with Kolmogorov-Kraichnan scaling for 2D turbulence in the forward enstrophy cascade range.

Scaling laws in chiral hydrodynamic turbulence

We study the turbulent regime of chiral (magneto)hydrodynamics for charged and neutral matter with chirality imbalance. We find that the chiral magnetohydrodynamics for charged plasmas possesses a unique scaling symmetry, only without fluid helicity under the local charge neutrality. We also find a different type of unique scaling symmetry in the chiral hydrodynamics for neutral matter with fluid helicity in the inertial range. We show that these symmetries dictate the self-similar inverse cascade of the magnetic and kinetic energies. Our results imply the possible inverse energy cascade in core-collapse supernovae due to the chiral transport of neutrinos.

SUPERNOVA DRIVING. I. THE ORIGIN OF MOLECULAR CLOUD TURBULENCE

ABSTRACT Turbulence is ubiquitous in molecular clouds (MCs), but its origin is still unclear because MCs are usually assumed to live longer than the turbulence dissipation time. Interstellar medium (ISM) turbulence is likely driven by supernova (SN) explosions, but it has never been demonstrated that SN explosions can establish and maintain a turbulent cascade inside MCs consistent with the observations. In this work, we carry out a simulation of SN-driven turbulence in a volume of (250 pc)3, specifically designed to test if SN driving alone can be responsible for the observed turbulence inside MCs. We find that SN driving establishes a velocity scaling consistent with the usual scaling laws of supersonic turbulence, suggesting that previous idealized simulations of MC turbulence, driven with a random, large-scale volume force, were correctly adopted as appropriate models for MC turbulence, despite the artificial driving. We also find that the same scaling laws extend to the interiors of MCs, and that the velocity–size relation of the MCs selected from our simulation is consistent with that of MCs from the Outer-Galaxy Survey, the largest MC sample available. The mass–size relation and the mass and size probability distributions also compare successfully with those of the Outer Galaxy Survey. Finally, we show that MC turbulence is super-Alfvénic with respect to both the mean and rms magnetic-field strength. We conclude that MC structure and dynamics are the natural result of SN-driven turbulence.

Vortex clustering and universal scaling laws in two-dimensional quantum turbulence.

We investigate numerically the statistics of quantized vortices in two-dimensional quantum turbulence using the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We find that a universal -5/3 scaling law in the turbulent energy spectrum is intimately connected with the vortex statistics, such as number fluctuations and vortex velocity, which is also characterized by a similar scaling behavior. The -5/3 scaling law appearing in the power spectrum of vortex number fluctuations is consistent with the scenario of passive advection of isolated vortices by a turbulent superfluid velocity generated by like-signed vortex clusters. The velocity probability distribution of clustered vortices is also sensitive to spatial configurations, and exhibits a power-law tail distribution with a -5/3 exponent.

Inertial-range dynamics and scaling laws of two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in the weak-field regime.

We study inertial-range dynamics and scaling laws in unforced two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in the regime of moderately small and small initial magnetic-to-kinetic-energy ratio r(0), with an emphasis on the latter. The regime of small r(0) corresponds to a relatively weak field and strong magnetic stretching, whereby the turbulence is characterized by an intense conversion of kinetic into magnetic energy (dynamo action in the three-dimensional context). This conversion is an inertial-range phenomenon and, upon becoming quasisaturated, deposits the converted energy within the inertial range rather than transferring it to the small scales. As a result, the magnetic-energy spectrum E(b)(k) in the inertial range can become quite shallow and may not be adequately explained or understood in terms of conventional cascade theories. It is demonstrated by numerical simulations at high Reynolds numbers (and unity magnetic Prandtl number) that the energetics and inertial-range scaling depend strongly on r(0). In particular, for fully developed turbulence with r(0) in the range [1/4,1/4096], E(b)(k) is found to scale as k(α), where α≳-1, including α>0. The extent of such a shallow spectrum is limited, becoming broader as r(0) is decreased. The slope α increases as r(0) is decreased, appearing to tend to +1 in the limit of small r(0). This implies equipartition of magnetic energy among the Fourier modes of the inertial range and the scaling k(-1) of the magnetic potential variance, whose flux is direct rather than inverse. This behavior of the potential resembles that of a passive scalar. However, unlike a passive scalar whose variance dissipation rate slowly vanishes in the diffusionless limit, the dissipation rate of the magnetic potential variance scales linearly with the diffusivity in that limit. Meanwhile, the kinetic-energy spectrum is relatively steep, followed by a much shallower tail due to strong antidynamo excitation. This gives rise to a total-energy spectrum poorly obeying a power-law scaling.

Statistical symmetries of the Lundgren-Monin-Novikov hierarchy.

It was shown by Oberlack and Rosteck [Discr. Cont. Dyn. Sys. S, 3, 451 2010] that the infinite set of multipoint correlation (MPC) equations of turbulence admits a considerable extended set of Lie point symmetries compared to the Galilean group, which is implied by the original set of equations of fluid mechanics. Specifically, a new scaling group and an infinite set of translational groups of all multipoint correlation tensors have been discovered. These new statistical groups have important consequences for our understanding of turbulent scaling laws as they are essential ingredients of, e.g., the logarithmic law of the wall and other scaling laws, which in turn are exact solutions of the MPC equations. In this paper we first show that the infinite set of translational groups of all multipoint correlation tensors corresponds to an infinite dimensional set of translations under which the Lundgren-Monin-Novikov (LMN) hierarchy of equations for the probability density functions (PDF) are left invariant. Second, we derive a symmetry for the LMN hierarchy which is analogous to the scaling group of the MPC equations. Most importantly, we show that this symmetry is a measure of the intermittency of the velocity signal and the transformed functions represent PDFs of an intermittent (i.e., turbulent or nonturbulent) flow. Interesting enough, the positivity of the PDF puts a constraint on the group parameters of both shape and intermittency symmetry, leading to two conclusions. First, the latter symmetries may no longer be Lie group as under certain conditions group properties are violated, but still they are symmetries of the LMN equations. Second, as the latter two symmetries in its MPC versions are ingredients of many scaling laws such as the log law, the above constraints implicitly put weak conditions on the scaling parameter such as von Karman constant κ as they are functions of the group parameters. Finally, let us note that these kind of statistical symmetries are of much more general type, i.e., not limited to MPC or PDF equations emerging from Navier-Stokes, but instead they are admitted by other nonlinear partial differential equations like, for example, the Burgers equation when in conservative form and if the nonlinearity is quadratic.

Whether the Sun’s supergranulation possesses a scaling?

The Sun’s supergranulation is considered as a collective effect provided by a statistical ensemble of narrow upflow jets. The responsibility for their occurrence rests with the Rayleigh-Taylor blow-up instability. It is this mechanism that is a trigger for the collapse of thermal irregularities and leads to the formation of such jets. The scaling laws of turbulence generated by these jets are discussed.

Nonlinear evolution of kinetic Alfvén wave and turbulent spectra: effect of initial conditions

Using the 2D numerical simulation we have studied the nonlinear evolution of kinetic Alfven wave (KAW) in intermediate β plasmas (β≪me/mi≪1). The coupled equations of kinetic Alfven wave (KAW) and ion acoustic wave (IAW) have been studied with different initial conditions using (1) periodic perturbation, (2) Gaussian perturbation and (3) random perturbation. We have studied the effect of initial conditions on the filament formation and on the turbulent scaling laws. The scale size of the localized structures is also obtained under different conditions.

On energetics and inertial-range scaling laws of two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

AbstractWe study two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, with an emphasis on its energetics and inertial-range scaling laws. A detailed spectral analysis shows that dynamo triads (those converting kinetic into magnetic energy) are associated with a direct magnetic energy flux while anti-dynamo triads (those converting magnetic into kinetic energy) are associated with an inverse magnetic energy flux. As both dynamo and anti-dynamo interacting triads are integral parts of the direct energy transfer, the anti-dynamo inverse flux partially neutralizes the dynamo direct flux, arguably resulting in relatively weak direct energy transfer and giving rise to dynamo saturation. This result is consistent with a qualitative prediction of energy transfer reduction due to Alfvén wave effects by the Iroshnikov–Kraichnan theory (which was originally formulated for magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in three dimensions). We numerically confirm the correlation between dynamo action and direct magnetic energy flux and investigate the applicability of quantitative aspects of the Iroshnikov–Kraichnan theory to the present case, particularly its predictions of energy equipartition and ${k}^{\ensuremath{-} 3/ 2} $ spectra in the energy inertial range. It is found that for turbulence satisfying the Kraichnan condition of magnetic energy at large scales exceeding total energy in the inertial range, the kinetic energy spectrum, which is significantly shallower than ${k}^{\ensuremath{-} 3/ 2} $, is shallower than its magnetic counterpart. This result suggests no energy equipartition. The total energy spectrum appears to depend on the energy composition of the turbulence but is clearly shallower than ${k}^{\ensuremath{-} 3/ 2} $ for $r\approx 2$, even at moderate resolutions. Here $r\approx 2$ is the magnetic-to-kinetic energy ratio during the stage when the turbulence can be considered fully developed. The implication of the present findings is discussed in conjunction with further numerical results on the dependence of the energy dissipation rate on resolution.

Applications of the new symmetries of the multi-point correlation equations

We presently show that the infinite set of multi-point correlation equations, which are direct statistical consequences of the Navier-Stokes equations, admit a rather large set of Lie symmetry groups. Additional to the symmetries stemming from the Navier-Stokes equations a new scaling group and translational groups of the correlation vectors and all independent variables have been discovered. These new statistical groups have important consequences on our understanding of turbulent scaling laws. Exemplarily, we consider one of the key foundations of statistical turbulence theory, the universal law of the wall, and show that the log-law fundamentally relies on one of the new translational groups. Furthermore, we present rotating channel flows, where different rotational axes result in very different scaling laws.

Comment on “Scaling Laws of Turbulence and Heating of Fast Solar Wind: The Role of Density Fluctuations”

A Comment on the Letter by V. Carbone et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 061102 (2009). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.

Preface

This special volume consists of survey contributions based on a series of lecturesdelivered at the Eleventh International School on Mathematical Theory in FluidMechanics, held in a small village of Kácov in the central part of Bohemia. Themain speakers who delivered series of four lectures were Martin Oberlack , TechnicalUniversity Darmstadt, Steve Shkoller, University of California at Davis, Endre Süli,Mathematical Institute of Oxford University, Roman Shvydkoy, University of Illinoisat Chicago, and Alexis Vasseur, University of Texas at Austin. Details concerningthe scope and program of the school are available at the web-page www.karlin.mff.cuni.cz/paseky-fluid/2009/Martin Oberlack and Andreas Rosteck in New statistical symmetries of the multipointequations and its importance for turbulent scaling laws show that the infiniteset of multi-point correlation equations, which are direct statistical implications ofthe Navier-Stokes equations, admit a vast set of Lie symmetry groups. In particular,a new scaling group and translational groups of vectors and all independent variablesare discovered. These new statistical groups provide important implications forunderstanding turbulent scaling laws.For more information please click the “Full Text” above.

Equivalence of velocity statistics at constant pressure or constant altitude

The equivalence of spatial velocity statistics calculated from second‐order structure functions on constant pressure or constant altitude surfaces is demonstrated from analysis of numerical weather prediction model output, rawinsonde data, and commercial aircraft wind measurements. These large data sets allow the development of very accurate statistics. Turbulence scaling laws for horizontal velocity statistics are found to be equivalent for either calculation.

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LOCAL AND GLOBAL TURBULENCE IN ACCRETION DISKS

We analyze a suite of global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) accretion disk simulations in order to determine whether scaling laws for turbulence driven by the magnetorotational instability, discovered via local shearing box studies, are globally robust. The simulations model geometrically-thin disks with zero net magnetic flux and no explicit resistivity or viscosity. We show that the local Maxwell stress is correlated with the self-generated local vertical magnetic field in a manner that is similar to that found in local simulations. Moreover, local patches of vertical field are strong enough to stimulate and control the strength of angular momentum transport across much of the disk. We demonstrate the importance of magnetic linkages (through the low-density corona) between different regions of the disk in determining the local field, and suggest a new convergence requirement for global simulations -- the vertical extent of the corona must be fully captured and resolved. Finally, we examine the temporal convergence of the average stress, and show that an initial long-term secular drift in the local flux-stress relation dies away on a time scale that is consistent with turbulent mixing of the initial magnetic field.

Lectures on the Onsager conjecture

These lectures give an account of recent results pertaining to the celebrated Onsager conjecture. The conjecture states that the minimal space regularity needed for a weak solution of the Euler equation to conserve energy is $1/3$. Our presentation is based on the Littlewood-Paley method. We start with quasi-local estimates on the energy flux, introduce Onsager criticality, find a positive solution to the conjecture in Besov spaces of smoothness $1/3$. We illuminate important connections with the scaling laws of turbulence. Results for dyadic models and a complete resolution of the Onsager conjecture for those is discussed, as well as recent attempts to construct dissipative solutions for the actual equation.   The article is based on a series of four lectures given at the 11th school 'Mathematical Theory in Fluid Mechanics' in Kácov, Czech Republic, May 2009.

New statistical symmetries of the multi-point equations and its importance for turbulent scaling laws

We presently show that the infinite set of multi-point correlation equations, which are direct statistical consequences of the Navier-Stokes equations, admit a rather large set of Lie symmetry groups. This set is considerable extended compared to the set of groups which are implied from the original set of equations of fluid mechanics. Specifically a new scaling group and translational groups of the correlation vectors and all independent variables have been discovered. These new statistical groups have important consequences on our understanding of turbulent scaling laws to be exemplarily revealed by two examples. Firstly, one of the key foundations of statistical turbulence theory is the universal law of the wall with its essential ingredient is the logarithmic law. We demonstrate that the log-law fundamentally relies on one of the new translational groups. Second, we demonstrate that the recently discovered exponential decay law of isotropic turbulence generated by fractal grids is only admissible with the new statistical scaling symmetry. It may not be borne from the two classical scaling groups implied by the fundamental equations of fluid motion and which has dictated our understanding of turbulence decay since the early thirties implicated by the von-Kármán-Howarth equation.

Scaling Laws of Turbulence and Heating of Fast Solar Wind: The Role of Density Fluctuations

Incompressible and isotropic magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in plasmas can be described by an exact relation for the energy flux through the scales. This Yaglom-like scaling law has been recently observed in the solar wind above the solar poles observed by the Ulysses spacecraft, where the turbulence is in an Alfvénic state. An analogous phenomenological scaling law, suitably modified to take into account compressible fluctuations, is observed more frequently in the same data set. Large-scale density fluctuations, despite their low amplitude, thus play a crucial role in the basic scaling properties of turbulence. The turbulent cascade rate in the compressive case can, moreover, supply the energy dissipation needed to account for the local heating of the nonadiabatic solar wind.

FAST observations of downward current regions: Effect of ionospheric constraints on parallel signatures

[1] Downward current region auroral crossings by the FAST (Fast Auroral Snapshot) spacecraft show that divergent electric fields which are perpendicular to the geomagnetic field () have two types of structures: those whose potential contours close below the spacecraft but above the ionosphere (U-shaped), and those that are not completely closed but partially couple to the low-altitude ionosphere (composite). Using FAST data from above 3000 km altitude, we investigate parallel signatures of particle motions in these downward current regions, focusing on the distinctions between U-shaped and composite potential structures. We analyze probability density functions of electron velocity moments and ion energies, and power spectral density scaling laws of wave turbulence above the potential drop. Results indicate that U-shaped potential structures show aspects of fully developed turbulence. Composite structures are often characterized by intermittent signatures, possibly because of lower ionospheric constraints. These results support a picture of an evolutionary process from composite to U-shaped potential structures in downward current regions.

Angular Momentum Transport in Accretion Disks: Scaling Laws in MRI-driven Turbulence

We present a scaling law that predicts the values of the stresses obtained in numerical simulations of saturated MRI-driven turbulence in nonstratified shearing boxes. It relates the turbulent stresses to the strength of the vertical magnetic field, the sound speed, the vertical size of the box, and the numerical resolution and predicts accurately the results of 35 numerical simulations performed for a wide variety of physical conditions. We use our result to show that the saturated stresses in simulations with zero net magnetic flux depend linearly on the numerical resolution and would become negligible if the resolution were set equal to the natural dissipation scale in astrophysical disks. We conclude that in order for MRI-driven turbulent angular momentum transport to be able to account for the large value of the effective alpha viscosity inferred observationally, the disk must be threaded by a significant vertical magnetic field and the turbulent magnetic energy must be in near equipartition with the thermal energy. This result has important implications for the spectra of accretion disks and their stability.

Effects of the earth's rotation on convection: Turbulent statistics, scaling laws and Lagrangian diffusion

The effects of Earth's rotation on convection into stratified fluid under uniform surface cooling are investigated using a large-eddy simulation (LES) model. The initial mixed layer depth varies by a factor of 40 and temperature gradient below the mixed layer varies by three orders of magnitude. At the end of integration (typically 20–40 inertial periods), the so-called natural Rossby number for the rotating experiments varies from 0.06 to 2. The wide range of conditions used is designed to extract scaling laws of rotating convection and to shed light on the importance of Earth's rotation on convection. It is found that the effects of rotation can be characterized by a series of hyperbolic tangent functions of the natural Rossby number. The effects of rotation are most pronounced when Ro is order 0.1 or less. For Ro ≥ 1, the effects of rotation become small. Comparison of Lagrangian statistics of numerical floats reveals that horizontal mixing is suppressed in the presence of rotation. This result is consistent with the finding that integral length scale and turbulent intensity decrease when rotation is included, in contrast to the conclusion of an early study that argued for increased horizontal mixing in the presence of rotation.