Analysis of turbulence structures in shear flows

Abstract

Outline of the research program and a recent progress in the studies of sheared turbulence are described. The research program reported is directed at two goals: (1) understanding of fundamental physics of organized structures in turbulent shear flows; and (2) development of phenomenological models of turbulence based on physical arguments. Three projects that were carried out are: (1) structure of sheared turbulence near a plane boundary; (2) distortion of turbulence by axisymmetric strain and dilation; and (3) study of energy transfer in turbulent shear flow.