Objective
This study investigates topological aspects of small-scale turbulence. More specificly, an attempt is made to quantify dissipation rates of kinetic energy and characteristics of non-linear energy transfer as WELL as diffusion characteristics and mixing properties of coherent structures PRESENT in small-scale turbulence
The course of the research is two-fold. On the one hand, by analysing direct numerical simulations of turbulence the relation between flow topology, local energy dissipation, mixing rates. and non-linear energy transfer will be directly measured and quantified. On the other hand, by studying simplified model problems both analytically and numerically, insight will be reached on the effect of certain (near-singular) flow topologies on dissipation and diffusion rates which will be related to the findings from direct simulations.
It is expected that this study will clarify the significance and Reynolds number dependance of isolated structures with respect to the overall dissipative properties of small-scale turbulence and thus provide insight and guidance for the development of more accurate and general turbulence models suitable for engineering applications.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The research is foreseen to lead to a Ph.D. degree.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Industrial collaborations within the research group include joint projects with British Gas and Schlumberger, and the present project is observed with interest by Daimler-Benz, Germany
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
CB3 9EW Cambridge
United Kingdom