Dynamical equations for high-order structure functions, and a comparison of a mean-field theory with experiments in three-dimensional turbulence

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two recent publications [V. Yakhot, Phys. Rev. E {\bf 63}, 026307, (2001) and R.J. Hill, J. Fluid Mech. {\bf 434}, 379, (2001)] derive, through two different approaches that have the Navier-Stokes equations as the common starting point, a set of steady-state dynamic equations for structure functions of arbitrary order in hydrodynamic turbulence. These equations are not closed. Yakhot proposed a "mean field theory" to close the equations for locally isotropic turbulence, and obtained scaling exponents of structure functions and an expression for the tails of the probability density function of transverse velocity increments. At high Reynolds numbers, we present some relevant experimental data on pressure and dissipation terms that are needed to provide closure, as well as on aspects predicted by the theory. Comparison between the theory and the data shows varying levels of agreement, and reveals gaps inherent to the implementation of the theory.Comment: 16 pages, 23 figure
All Related Versions