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Updated: May 23, 2026
13:02
Three-dimensional Particle Tracking Velocimetry for Turbulence Applications: Case of a Jet Flow
Published on: February 27, 2016
Turbulent pipe flow at extreme Reynolds numbers
M Hultmark1, M Vallikivi, S C C Bailey
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|April 3, 2012
Summary
Researchers measured turbulence across a wide range of Reynolds numbers using advanced equipment. They discovered new universal scaling behavior in turbulent velocity fluctuations, similar to mean velocity distributions.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Turbulence research
Background:
- Turbulence is characterized by a wide range of scales, quantified by the Reynolds number.
- High Reynolds numbers (10^5-10^6) are common in natural and engineering flows.
- Understanding turbulence across these scales is crucial for many applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate turbulence at unprecedentedly high Reynolds numbers.
- To identify universal scaling behaviors in turbulent flows.
- To compare scaling laws of velocity fluctuations with mean velocity distributions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-pressure air facility for generating high Reynolds number flows.
- Employed a novel nanoscale anemometry probe for precise measurements.
- Conducted turbulence measurements over an extended range of Reynolds numbers.
Main Results:
- Observed previously unknown universal scaling behavior in turbulent velocity fluctuations.
- Demonstrated remarkable similarity between the scaling of velocity fluctuations and the mean velocity distribution.
- Extended the range of experimentally studied Reynolds numbers significantly.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals new universal scaling laws in turbulent flows.
- Findings suggest a deeper connection between turbulent fluctuations and mean flow behavior.
- The novel measurement techniques enable future exploration of high Reynolds number turbulence.
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