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Finite lifetime of turbulence in shear flows

Author

Listed:
  • Björn Hof

    (The University of Manchester
    Delft University of Technology
    Hydrodynamics, Delft University of Technology)

  • Jerry Westerweel

    (Delft University of Technology
    Hydrodynamics, Delft University of Technology)

  • Tobias M. Schneider

    (Fachbereich Physik, Philipps-Universität Marburg)

  • Bruno Eckhardt

    (Fachbereich Physik, Philipps-Universität Marburg)

Abstract

Turbulence times Most flows in nature are turbulent, such as flows in the atmosphere, the oceans, in the cores of planets and around vehicles. The commonly accepted view is that if a (steadily driven) flow becomes turbulent, it stays in this state indefinitely. New work on a system with many parallels in nature, a fluid flowing through straight pipes and channels, has come up with a surprise result: turbulence decays after a finite time. Though finite, the lifetime increases rapidly with flow rate, and even at moderate speeds can reach unobservably long timescales. Nevertheless, this discovery could be exploited to control turbulent flows.

Suggested Citation

  • Björn Hof & Jerry Westerweel & Tobias M. Schneider & Bruno Eckhardt, 2006. "Finite lifetime of turbulence in shear flows," Nature, Nature, vol. 443(7107), pages 59-62, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:443:y:2006:i:7107:d:10.1038_nature05089
    DOI: 10.1038/nature05089
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