Robust energy transfer mechanism via precession resonance in nonlinear turbulent wave systems

TL;DR

This paper uncovers a robust energy transfer mechanism in nonlinear wave systems driven by triad precession resonance, applicable across meteorology, optics, and plasma turbulence, with confirmed numerical and analytical results.

Contribution

It introduces the concepts of triad precession and dynamical degrees of freedom, revealing how resonance enhances energy transfer efficiency in turbulent wave systems.

Findings

Maximal transfer occurs when triad precession frequencies resonate with nonlinear frequencies.

Numerical simulations confirm the analytical predictions of the resonance mechanism.

The mechanism leads to strong turbulent cascades at intermediate nonlinearity levels.

Abstract

A robust energy transfer mechanism is found in nonlinear wave systems, which favours transfers towards modes interacting via triads with nonzero frequency mismatch, applicable in meteorology, nonlinear optics and plasma wave turbulence. We introduce the concepts of truly dynamical degrees of freedom and triad precession. Transfer efficiency is maximal when the triads' precession frequencies resonate with the system's nonlinear frequencies, leading to a collective state of synchronised triads with strong turbulent cascades at intermediate nonlinearity. Numerical simulations confirm analytical predictions.