Random sweeping effect in isotropic numerical turbulence

Abstract

Results from full numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations for three-dimensional, stationary, and isotropic turbulence are used (1) to study the scaling properties of two-time modal velocity correlations and (2) to determine the dominant process in the decorrelation of the small-scale velocities. The main results obtained are (1) that the convective sweeping of the small scales by the energy-containing large scales determines the scaling property of the inertial- and near-dissipation ranges and (2) that the sweeping effect is dominant in the decorrelation of the small scales. Reynolds-number dependence of the decorrelation is also considered.