Universality classes of surface wave turbulence as probed by laser Doppler velocimetry in viscous fluids

TL;DR

This study uses laser Doppler velocimetry to investigate surface wave turbulence in viscous fluids, revealing a transition from weak to strong turbulence and supporting universal Kolmogorov scaling in the inertial regime.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of discrete wave cascades and the transition from weak to strong turbulence in viscous fluids using LDV.

Findings

Existence of discrete wave cascades compatible with Kolmogorov scaling.

Identification of the transition from weak to strong turbulence.

Inertia plays a key role in the turbulence crossover.

Abstract

By taking advantage of laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), we explore the existence of discrete wave cascades on fluid interfaces excited upon monochromatic excitation. We study viscous liquids of variable capillarity spanning a broad range of frictional stresses. The existence of an inertial regime of weak surface wave turbulence (weak-SWT) has been pointed out as a cascade of discrete modes with amplitudes compatible with universal Kolmogorov`s scaling. The transit from weak to strong surface turbulence has been explored with this tool revealing the importance of inertia over surface forces to describe the crossover.