Thermal fluctuations in the dissipation range of homogeneous isotropic turbulence
John B. Bell, Andrew Nonaka, Alejandro L. Garcia, Gregory L. Eyink
Abstract
Using fluctuating hydrodynamics we investigate the effect of thermal fluctuations in the dissipation range of homogeneous isotropic turbulence. Simulations confirm theoretical predictions that the energy spectrum is dominated by these fluctuations at length scales comparable to the Kolmogorov length. We also find that the extreme intermittency in the far-dissipation range predicted by Kraichnan is replaced by Gaussian thermal equipartition.
Topics & Concepts
IntermittencyDissipationTurbulenceIsotropyEquipartition theoremHomogeneous isotropic turbulencePhysicsStatistical physicsRange (aeronautics)GaussianThermal fluctuationsHomogeneousThermalK-omega turbulence modelMechanicsTurbulence kinetic energyClassical mechanicsThermodynamicsMaterials scienceOpticsDirect numerical simulationQuantum mechanicsMagnetic fieldComposite materialReynolds numberFluid Dynamics and Turbulent FlowsSolar and Space Plasma DynamicsMeteorological Phenomena and Simulations