Scaling in Wall Turbulence: Scale Separation and Interaction (Invited Paper)

Abstract

High Reynolds number pipe flow data are used to demonstrate the importance of several conditions related to scale separation that are either assumed in the classical theories or may be used in light of recent results in wall turbulence to infer a minimum Reynolds number condition above which scaling results may be suitable for extrapolation. Results from the Princeton Superpipe have suggested Re_τ > 5000 as the minimum Reynolds number for which key properties of pipe flow reach a “fully-developed” condition, based on observations of streamwise mean and turbulent velocity structure. Additional values related to finer constraints on the structural development are also discussed. A “skeleton” of wall turbulence is introduced, based on structural components identified as having a dominant role in the dynamics of near-wall turbulence in recent experiments by a variety of authors. Possible interaction mechanisms between these components are described alongside some outstanding questions concerning scale separation and interaction.