The fractal geometry of interfaces and the multifractal distribution of dissipation in fully turbulent flows

K. R. Sreenivasan, R. R. Prasad, C. meneveau, R. Ramshankar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We describe scalar interfaces in turbulent flows via elementary notions from fractal geometry. It is shown by measurement that these interfaces possess a fractal dimension of 2.35±0.05 in a variety of flows, and it is demonstrated that the uniqueness of this number is a consequence of the physical principle of Reynolds number similarity. Also, the spatial distribution of scalar and energy dissipation in physical space is shown to be multifractal. We compare the f(α) curves obtained from one- and two-dimensional cuts in several flows, and examine their value in describing features of turbulence in the three-dimensional physical space.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)43-60
Number of pages18
JournalPure and Applied Geophysics PAGEOPH
Volume131
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1989

Keywords

  • Fractals
  • energy and scalar dissipation
  • interfaces
  • multifractals
  • turbulent flows

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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