Wall-bounded turbulent shear flows are known to exhibit universal small-scale dynamics that are modulated by large-scale flow structures. Strong pressure gradients complicate this characterization, however. They can cause significant variation of the mean flow in the streamwise direction. For such situations, we perform asymptotic analysis of the Navier–Stokes equations to inform a model for the effect of mean flow growth on near-wall turbulence in a small domain localized to the boundary. The asymptotics are valid whenever the viscous length scale is small relative to the length scale over which the mean flow varies. To ensure the correct momentum environment, a dynamic procedure is introduced that accounts for the additional sources of mean momentum flux through the upper domain boundary arising from the asymptotic terms. Comparisons of the model's low-order, single-point statistics with those from direct numerical simulation and well-resolved large eddy simulation of adverse-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers indicate the asymptotic model successfully accounts for the effect of boundary layer growth on the small-scale near-wall turbulence.

Recent experimental and computational studies indicate that near-wall turbulent flows can be characterized by universal small-scale autonomous dynamics that is modulated by large-scale structures. We formulate numerical simulations of near-wall turbulence in a small domain localized to the boundary, whose size scales in viscous units. To mimic the environment in which the near-wall turbulence evolves, the formulation accounts for the flux of mean momentum through the upper boundary of the domain. Comparisons of the model's two-dimensional energy spectra and low-order single-point statistics with the corresponding quantities computed from direct numerical simulations indicate that it successfully captures the dynamics of the small-scale near-wall turbulence.

The transport equations for the variances of the velocity components are investigated using data from direct numerical simulations of incompressible channel flows at friction Reynolds number ($Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$) up to $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=5200$. Each term in the transport equation has been spectrally decomposed to expose the contribution of turbulence at different length scales to the processes governing the flow of energy in the wall-normal direction, in scale and among components. The outer-layer turbulence is dominated by very large-scale streamwise elongated modes, which are consistent with the very large-scale motions (VLSM) that have been observed by many others. The presence of these VLSMs drives many of the characteristics of the turbulent energy flows. Away from the wall, production occurs primarily in these large-scale streamwise-elongated modes in the streamwise velocity, but dissipation occurs nearly isotropically in both velocity components and scale. For this to happen, the energy is transferred from the streamwise-elongated modes to modes with a range of orientations through nonlinear interactions, and then transferred to other velocity components. This allows energy to be transferred more-or-less isotropically from these large scales to the small scales at which dissipation occurs. The VLSMs also transfer energy to the wall region, resulting in a modulation of the autonomous near-wall dynamics and the observed Reynolds number dependence of the near-wall velocity variances. The near-wall energy flows are more complex, but are consistent with the well-known autonomous near-wall dynamics that gives rise to streaks and streamwise vortices. Through the overlap region between outer- and inner-layer turbulence, there is a self-similar structure to the energy flows. The VLSM production occurs at spanwise scales that grow with $y$. There is transport of energy away from the wall over a range of scales that grows with $y$. Moreover, there is transfer of energy to small dissipative scales which grows like $y^{1/4}$, as expected from Kolmogorov scaling. Finally, the small-scale near-wall processes characterised by wavelengths less than 1000 wall units are largely Reynolds number independent, while the larger-scale outer-layer processes are strongly Reynolds number dependent. The interaction between them appears to be relatively simple.

We study the large-scale motions in turbulent plane Couette flows at moderate friction Reynolds number up to $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=500$. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) domains were as large as $100\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\times 2\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\times 5\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$ is half the distance between the walls. The results indicate that there are streamwise vortices filling the space between the walls that remain correlated over distances in the streamwise direction and that increase strongly with the Reynolds number, so that for the largest Reynolds number studied here, they are correlated across the entire $100\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$ length of the domain. The presence of these very long structures is apparent in the spectra of all three velocity components and the Reynolds stress. In DNS using a smaller domain, the large structures are constrained, eliminating the streamwise variations present in the larger domain. Near the centre of the domain, these large-scale structures contribute as much as half of the Reynolds shear stress.

A direct numerical simulation of incompressible channel flow at a friction Reynolds number ($\mathit{Re}_{{\it\tau}}$) of 5186 has been performed, and the flow exhibits a number of the characteristics of high-Reynolds-number wall-bounded turbulent flows. For example, a region where the mean velocity has a logarithmic variation is observed, with von Kármán constant ${\it\kappa}=0.384\pm 0.004$. There is also a logarithmic dependence of the variance of the spanwise velocity component, though not the streamwise component. A distinct separation of scales exists between the large outer-layer structures and small inner-layer structures. At intermediate distances from the wall, the one-dimensional spectrum of the streamwise velocity fluctuation in both the streamwise and spanwise directions exhibits $k^{-1}$ dependence over a short range in wavenumber $(k)$. Further, consistent with previous experimental observations, when these spectra are multiplied by $k$ (premultiplied spectra), they have a bimodal structure with local peaks located at wavenumbers on either side of the $k^{-1}$ range.

Subcortical hyperintensities (SH) on neuroimaging are a prominent feature of vascular dementia (VaD) and SH severity correlates with cognitive impairment in this population. Previous studies demonstrated that SH burden accounts for a degree of the cognitive burden among VaD patients, although it remains unclear if individual factors such as cognitive reserve influence cognitive status in VaD. To address this issue, we examined 36 individuals diagnosed with probable VaD (age = 77.56; education = 12). All individuals underwent MMSE evaluations and MRI brain scans. We predicted that individuals with higher educational attainment would exhibit less cognitive difficulty despite similar levels of SH volume, compared to individuals with less educational attainment. A regression analysis revealed that greater SH volume was associated with lower scores on the MMSE. Additionally, education moderated the relationship between SH volume and MMSE score, demonstrating that individuals with higher education had higher scores on the MMSE despite similar degrees of SH burden. These results suggest that educational attainment buffers the deleterious effects of SH burden on cognitive status among VaD patients. (JINS, 2011, 17, 531–536)

The organization of vortex clusters above the buffer layer of turbulent channels is analysed using direct numerical simulations at friction Reynolds numbers up to $\hbox{\it Re}_{\tau}\,{=}\,1900$. Especial attention is paid to a family of clusters that reach from the logarithmic layer to the near-wall region below $y^+\,{=}\,20$. These tall attached clusters are markers of structures of the turbulent fluctuating velocity that are more intense than their background. Their lengths and widths are proportional to their heights $\Delta_y$ and grow self-similarly with time after originating at different wall-normal positions in the logarithmic layer. Their influence on the outer region is measured by the variation of their volume density with $\Delta_y$. That influence depends on the vortex identification threshold, and becomes independent of the Reynolds number if the threshold is low enough. The clusters are parts of larger structures of the streamwise velocity fluctuations whose average geometry is consistent with a cone tangent to the wall along the streamwise axis. They form groups of a few members within each cone, with the larger individuals in front of the smaller ones. This behaviour is explained considering that the streamwise velocity cones are ‘wakes’ left behind by the clusters, while the clusters themselves are triggered by the wakes left by yet larger clusters in front of them. The whole process repeats self-similarly in a disorganized version of the vortex-streak regeneration cycle of the buffer layer, in which the clusters and the wakes spread linearly under the effect of the background turbulence. These results characterize for the first time the structural organization of the self-similar range of the turbulent logarithmic region.

The proper orthogonal decomposition technique (Lumley's decomposition) is applied to the turbulent flow in a channel, to extract coherent structures by decomposing the velocity field into characteristic eddies with random coefficients. In the homogeneous spatial directions a generalization of the shot-noise expansion is used to determine the characteristic eddies. In this expansion the Fourier coefficients of the characteristic eddy cannot be obtained from second-order statistics. Three different techniques are used to determine the phases of these coefficients: (i) a technique based on the bispectrum, (ii) a spatial compactness requirement, and (iii) a functional continuity argument. Results from these three techniques are found to be very similar. The implications of these techniques and the shot-noise expansion are discussed in the Appendix. The dominant eddy is found to contribute as much as 76% to the turbulent kinetic energy. In two and three dimensions, the characteristic eddies consist of an ejection region straddled by streamwise vortices which leave the wall in a very short streamwise distance of approximately 100 wall units.

Convex transverse curvature effects in wall-bounded turbulent flows are significant if the boundary-layer thickness is large compared to the radius of curvature (large γ = δ/a). The curvature affects the inner part of the flow if a+, the cylinder radius in wall units, is small.

Two direct numerical simulations of a model problem approximating axial flow boundary layers on long cylinders were performed for γ = 5 (a+ ≈ 43) and γ = 11 (a+ ≈ 21). Statistical and structural data were extracted from the computed flow fields. The effects of the transverse curvature were identified by comparing the present results with those of the plane channel simulation of Kim, Moin & Moser (1987), performed at a similar Reynolds number. As the curvature increases, the skin friction increases, the slope of the logarithmic region decreases and turbulence intensities are reduced. Several turbulence statistics are found to scale with a curvature dependent velocity scale derived from the mean momentum equation. Near the wall, the flow is more anisotropic than in the plane channel with a larger percentage of the turbulent kinetic energy resulting from the streamwise velocity fluctuations. As the curvature increases, regions of strong normal vorticity develop near the wall.

The Kelvin–Helmholtz rollup of three-dimensional temporally evolving plane mixing layers with an initial Reynolds number of 500 based on vorticity thickness and half the velocity difference have been simulated numerically. All simulations were begun from a few low-wavenumber disturbances, usually derived from linear stability theory, in addition to the mean velocity profile. A standard set of ‘clean’ structures develops in the majority of the simulations. The spanwise vorticity rolls up into a corrugated spanwise roller with vortex stretching creating strong spanwise vorticity in a cup-shaped region at the bends of the roller. Predominantly streamwise rib vortices develop in the braid region between the rollers. For sufficiently strong initial three-dimensional disturbances these ribs ‘collapse’ into compact axi-symmetric vortices. The rib vortex lines connect to neighbouring ribs and are kinked in the direction opposite to that of the roller vortex lines. Because of this, these two sets of vortex lines remain distinct. For certain initial conditions, persistent ribs do not develop. In such cases, the development of significant three-dimensionality is delayed.

In addition, simulations of infinitesimal three-dimensional disturbances evolving in a two-dimensional mixing layer were performed. Many features of the fully nonlinear flows are remarkably well predicted by the linear computations. Such computations can thus be used to predict the degree of three-dimensionality in the mixing layer even after the onset of nonlinearity. Several nonlinear effects can also be identified by comparing linear and nonlinear computations. These include the collapse of rib vortices, the formation of cups of spanwise vorticity, and the appearance of spanwise vorticity with sign opposite that of the mean vorticity. These nonlinear effects have been identified as precursors of the transition to turbulence (Moser & Rogers 1991).

The evolution of three-dimensional temporally evolving plane mixing layers through as many as three pairings has been simulated numerically. All simulations were begun from a few low-wavenumber disturbances, usually derived from linear stability theory, in addition to the mean velocity. Three-dimensional perturbations were used with amplitudes ranging from infinitesimal to large enough to trigger a rapid transition to turbulence. Pairing is found to inhibit the growth of infinitesimal three-dimensional disturbances, and to trigger the transition to turbulence in highly three-dimensional flows. The mechanisms responsible for the growth of three-dimensionality and onset of transition to turbulence are described. The transition to turbulence is accompanied by the formation of thin sheets of spanwise vorticity, which undergo secondary rollups. The post-transitional simulated flow fields exhibit many properties characteristic of turbulent flows.

Direct numerical simulations of temporally evolving plane mixing layers undergoing as many as three pairings have been examined for evidence of spanwise scale change. All simulations were begun from a few low-wavenumber disturbances, usually derived from linear stability theory, in addition to the mean velocity. The amplitude of the initial three-dimensional disturbances varied from infinitesimal to large enough to trigger a rapid transition to turbulence. The time required for a change of characteristic spanwise scale with infinitesimal three-dimensional disturbances was found to be very long, requiring three or more pairings to complete a doubling of the spanwise scale. Stronger three-dimensionality can produce more rapid scale changes, but it is also likely to trigger transition to turbulence. No evidence was found for a change from an organized array of rib vortices at one spanwise scale to a similar array at a larger spanwise scale.

Short-time Lyapunov exponent analysis is a new approach to the study of the stability properties of unsteady flows. At any instant in time the Lyapunov perturbations are the set of infinitesimal perturbations to a system state that will grow the fastest in the long term. Knowledge of these perturbations can allow one to determine the instability mechanisms producing chaos in the system. This new method should prove useful in a wide variety of chaotic flows. Here it is used to elucidate the physical mechanism driving weakly chaotic Taylor–Couette flow.

Three-dimensional, direct numerical simulations of axially periodic Taylor–Couette flow are used to study the transition from quasi-periodicity to chaos. A partial Lyapunov exponent spectrum for the flow is computed by simultaneously advancing the full solution and a set of perturbations. The axial wavelength and the particular quasi-periodic state are chosen to correspond to the most complete experimental studies of this transition. The computational results are consistent with available experimental data, both for the flow characteristics in the quasi-periodic regime and for the Reynolds number at which transition to chaos is observed.

The dimension of the chaotic attractor near onset is estimated from the Lyapunov exponent spectrum using the Kaplan–Yorke conjecture. This dimension estimate supports the experimental observation of low-dimensional chaos, but the dimension increases more rapidly away from the transition than is observed in experiments. Reasons for this disparity are given. Short-time Lyapunov exponent analysis is used to show that the chaotic state studied here is caused by a Kelvin–Helmholtz-type instability of the outflow boundary jet of the Taylor vortices.

Low-Reynolds-number, mildly curved, turbulent channel flow has been simulated by direct numerical solution of the Navier – Stokes equations. Computed velocity fields were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. The resulting flow fields were used to study the effects of streamline curvature by comparing the concave and convex sides of the channel. Observed effects are consistent with experimental measurements for mild curvature. The most significant difference in the turbulence statistics is in the Reynolds shear stress. This is accompanied by significant differences in the terms of the equation for Reynolds-shear-stress budget. In addition, it was found that stationary Taylor – Görtler vortices were present and that they had a significant effect on the flow by contributing to the mean Reynolds shear stress, enhancing the asymmetry of the channel, and affecting the underlying turbulence.

A new class of large-eddy simulation (LES) models (optimal LES) was previously introduced by the authors. These models are based on multi-point statistical information, which here is provided by direct numerical simulation (DNS). In this paper, the performance of these models in LES of forced isotropic turbulence is investigated. It is found that both linear and quadratic optimal models yield good simulation results, with an excellent match between the LES and filtered DNS for spectra, and low-order structure functions.

Optimal models were then used as a vehicle to investigate the effects of filter shape and the locality of model dependence on LES performance. Results indicate that a Fourier cutoff filter yields more accurate simulations than graded cutoff filters, leaving no motivation to use graded filters in spectral simulations. It was also found that optimal models formulated to depend on local information performed nearly as well as global models. This is important because in practical LES simulations in which spectral methods are not applicable, global model dependence would be prohibitively expensive.

The spectra and correlations of the velocity fluctuations in turbulent channels, especially above the buffer layer, are analysed using new direct numerical simulations with friction Reynolds numbers up to Re$_{\tau}\,{=}\,1900$. It is found, and explained, that their scaling is anomalous in several respects, including a square-root behaviour of their width with respect to their length, and a velocity scaling of the largest modes with the centreline velocity $U_c$. It is shown that this implies a logarithmic correction to the $k^{-1}$ energy spectrum, and that it leads to a scaling of the total fluctuation intensities away from the wall which agrees well with the mixed scaling of de Graaff & Eaton (2000) at intermediate Reynolds numbers, but which tends to a pure scaling with $U_c$ at very large ones.

In an effort to investigate the stability of the surface and hetero-interface of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs during high temperature device processing steps, AlGaN/GaN HEMT samples were subjected to temperatures from 650°C to 1150°C for a period of 30 seconds prior to processing. Hall and photoluminescence measurements were performed on samples before and after temperature stressing. The samples annealed at 700°C and 1150°C were then processed, and electrical parametric data were collected during and after processing. Large increases in HEMT Schottky gate diode reverse leakage current are observed at higher pre-process annealing temperatures, while the low-field mobility decreases.

A direct numerical simulation of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer has been performed. We take advantage of a technique developed by Spalart for incompressible flow. In this technique, it is assumed that the boundary layer grows so slowly in the streamwise direction that the turbulence can be treated as approximately homogeneous in this direction. The slow growth is accounted for by a coordinate transformation and a multiple-scale analysis. The result is a modified system of equations, in which the flow is homogeneous in both the streamwise and spanwise directions, and which represents the state of the boundary layer at a given streamwise location. The equations are solved using a mixed Fourier and B-spline Galerkin method.

Results are presented for a case having an adiabatic wall, a Mach number of M = 2.5, and a Reynolds number, based on momentum integral thickness and wall viscosity, of Reθ′ = 849. The Reynolds number based on momentum integral thickness and free-stream viscosity is Reθ = 1577. The results indicate that the Van Driest transformed velocity satisfies the incompressible scalings and a small logarithmic region is obtained. Both turbulence intensities and the Reynolds shear stress compare well with the incompressible simulations of Spalart when scaled by mean density. Pressure fluctuations are higher than in incompressible flow. Morkovin's prediction that streamwise velocity and temperature fluctuations should be anti-correlated, which happens to be supported by compressible experiments, does not hold in the simulation. Instead, a relationship is found between the rates of turbulent heat and momentum transfer. The turbulent kinetic energy budget is computed and compared with the budgets from Spalart's incompressible simulations.

It is shown that there is an abstract subgrid model that is in all senses ideal. An LES using the ideal subgrid model will exactly reproduce all single-time, multi-point statistics, and at the same time will have minimum possible error in instantaneous dynamics. The ideal model is written as an average over the real turbulent fields whose large scales match the current LES field. But this conditional average cannot be computed directly. Rather, the ideal model is the target for approximation when developing practical models, though no new practical models are presented here. To construct such models, the conditional average can be formally approximated using stochastic estimation. These optimal formulations are presented, and it is shown that a relatively simple but general class of one-point estimates can be computed from two-point correlation data, and that the estimates retain some of the statistical properties of the ideal model.

To investigate the nature of these models, optimal formulations were applied to forced isotropic turbulence. A variety of optimal models of increasing complexity were computed. In all cases, it was found that the errors between the real and estimated subgrid force were nearly as large as the subgrid force itself. It is suggested that this may also be characteristic of the ideal model in isotropic turbulence. If this is the case, then it explains why subgrid models produce reasonable results in actual LES while performing poorly in a priori tests. Despite the large errors in the optimal models, one feature of the subgrid interaction that is exactly represented is the energy transfer to the subgrid scales by each wavenumber.