Probability density function of turbulent velocity fluctuations in a rough-wall boundary layer

The probability density function of single-point velocity fluctuations in turbulence is studied systematically using Fourier coefficients in the energy-containing range. In ideal turbulence where energy-containing motions are random and independent, the Fourier coefficients tend to Gaussian and inde...

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Published inPhysical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics Vol. 68; no. 3 Pt 2; p. 036311
Main Authors Mouri, Hideaki, Takaoka, Masanori, Hori, Akihiro, Kawashima, Yoshihide
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.2003
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Summary:The probability density function of single-point velocity fluctuations in turbulence is studied systematically using Fourier coefficients in the energy-containing range. In ideal turbulence where energy-containing motions are random and independent, the Fourier coefficients tend to Gaussian and independent of each other. Velocity fluctuations accordingly tend to Gaussian. However, if energy-containing motions are intermittent or contaminated with bounded-amplitude motions such as wavy wakes, the Fourier coefficients tend to non-Gaussian and dependent of each other. Velocity fluctuations accordingly tend to non-Gaussian. These situations are found in our experiment of a rough-wall boundary layer.
ISSN:1539-3755
DOI:10.1103/physreve.68.036311