Wall-layer eruptions in turbulent flows

Abstract

The near-wall region of a turbulent flow is investigated in the limit of large Reynolds numbers. When low-speed streaks are present, the governing equations are shown to be of the boundary-layer type. Physical processes leading to local breakdown and a strong interaction with the outer region are considered. It is argued that convected vortices, predominantly of the hairpin type, will provoke eruptions and regenerative interactions with the outer region.