Kolmogorov inertial range for inhomogeneous turbulent flows

Abstract

The Kolmogorov argument for the existence of an inertial range is reexamined in situations for which neither Fourier modes nor homogeneity and local isotropy are natural assumptions. Scaling arguments are shown which are still valid, and generalizations to the -5/3 law are given for the eigenvalue spectrum of the two-point velocity-correlation matrix. Results from several different numerical simulations are presented. Data derived from simulations of channel and convection flows show that a sensible inertial range appears at very modest Reynolds numbers.