Fractal properties of inertial-range turbulence with implications for aircraft response

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Abstract
Summary Fractal geometry provides a method for modelling the scale dependence of fluctuations in atmospheric-turbulence velocity. In this paper the basic concepts are outlined and illustrated by a method of data analysis which, for a fractal process, displays measured probability distributions in scale-invariant form. To a first approximation the data exhibit statistical self-similarity, consistent with the classical theory of Kolmogorov. However, on more detailed analysis, the more intense fluctuations show systematic departures from self-similarity, consistent with recent theoretical estimates of the fractal dimension of the support of turbulence. Implications for aircraft gust response are discussed.