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Abstract

We perform direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large eddy simulation (LES) of an initially spherical region of turbulence evolving in free space. The computations are performed with a lattice Green's function method, which allows the exact free-space boundary conditions to be imposed on a compact vortical region. LES simulations are conducted with the stretched vortex sub-grid stress model. The initial condition is spherically windowed, isotropic homogeneous incompressible turbulence. We study the spectrum and statistics of the decaying turbulence and compare the results with decaying isotropic turbulence, including cases representing different low wavenumber behavior of the energy spectrum (i.e. k^2 versus k^4). At late times the turbulent sphere expands with both mean radius and integral scale showing similar time-wise growth exponents. The low wavenumber behavior has little effect on the inertial scales, and we find that decay rates follow Saffman (1967) predictions in both cases, at least until about 400 initial eddy turnover times. The boundary of the spherical region develops intermittency and features ejections of vortex rings. These are shown to occur at the integral scale of the initial turbulence field and are hypothesized to occur due to a local imbalance of impulse on this scale.

Details

1009240
Title
Dynamics and decay of a spherical region of turbulence in free space
Publication title
arXiv.org; Ithaca
Publication year
2020
Publication date
Sep 22, 2020
Section
Physics (Other)
Publisher
Cornell University Library, arXiv.org
Source
arXiv.org
Place of publication
Ithaca
Country of publication
United States
University/institution
Cornell University Library arXiv.org
e-ISSN
2331-8422
Source type
Working Paper
Language of publication
English
Document type
Working Paper
Publication history
 
 
Online publication date
2021-04-22
Milestone dates
2020-09-22 (Submission v1)
Publication history
 
 
   First posting date
22 Apr 2021
ProQuest document ID
2445189797
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/working-papers/dynamics-decay-spherical-region-turbulence-free/docview/2445189797/se-2?accountid=208611
Full text outside of ProQuest
Copyright
© 2020. This work is published under http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.
Last updated
2021-05-26
Database
ProQuest One Academic