Time-periodic inertial range dynamics

TL;DR

This paper identifies an unstable periodic orbit in high-Reynolds-number turbulence simulation, revealing key energy transfer events and a clear inertial range with a -5/3 scaling, advancing understanding of turbulent dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces an unstable periodic orbit in LES turbulence simulation, linking vortical dynamics to energy transfer and inertial range scaling.

Findings

Observation of a -5/3 inertial range scaling

Identification of energy transfer events linked to vortical structures

Demonstration of an unstable periodic orbit in turbulence simulation

Abstract

We present an unstable periodic orbit in large eddy simulation of an incompressible fluid in a periodic box subject to a constant body force. The width of the inertial range of spatial scales, on which this simulation models high-Reynolds-number turbulence, is about three quarters of a decade, and a significant $-5/3$ scaling range is observed. We identify events of intense energy transfer across spatial scales and relate them to vortical dynamics.