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DOE OSTI2022

SOL width broadening by spreading of pedestal turbulence

The pedestal turbulence intensity required to convert the thin, laminar H-mode scrape-off layer (SOL) to a broad turbulent SOL is calculated using the theory of turbulence spreading. A lower bound on the pedestal turbulence level to exceed the neoclassical heuristic drift (HD) width is derived. A reduced model of SOL turbulence spreading is used to determine the SOL width as a function of intensity flux from the pedestal to the SOL. The cross-over value for exceeding the HD model width is then calculated. We determine the pedestal turbulence levels—and the critical scalings thereof—required to achieve this level of broadening. Both drift wave and ballooning mode turbulence are considered. Here, a sensitivity analysis reveals that the key competition is that between spreading and linear E × B shear damping. The required pedestal turbulence levels scale with ρ/R.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS1984

Interactive phenomena in supersonic jet mixing problems. II - Numerical studies

Applications of the numerical techniques discussed in Part I of this article are presented. Fundamental wave/shear-layer interaction calculations are performed exhibiting the waves produced by high-speed turbulent mixing processes and the interactions of an expansion fan and shock wave with a developing shear layer. Calculations for an underexpanded supersonic jet into a supersonic external stream at different velocity ratios are presented which delineate betweeen weakly interactive and strongly interactive processes in the jet near field. Calculations for the multiple-cell shock structure of an underexpanded jet into still air exhibit the damping of wave intensities by the turbulence and compare quite favorably with available data.

Dash, S. M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Possible wave amplitudes in shocks in the solar corona - Predictions for Solar Probe

Terrestrial shock measurements are scaled to coronal parameters to demonstrate the need for improvements for the Solar Probe instrumentation. A model of coronal shock is presented to estimate corresponding shock parameters, and a comparison is made with ISEE 3 crossings to examine terrestrial bow shock and wave activity downstream. The turbulence in the magnetosheath is scaled to predict the specific range of amplitudes and frequencies of wave regions that the Solar Probe can encounter. The high velocity of the spacecraft at perihelion constrains the potential application of present instrumentation. In order to properly characterize the coronal shocks the Solar Probe requires instrumentation that can detect shock-generated Alfven waves Doppler-shifted to frequencies of a few kHz.

Moses, S. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Structure of the quasi-parallel bow shock - Results of numerical simulations

A one-dimensional, nonperiodic hybrid code in which ion dynamics are treated exactly, while those of electrons are omitted by neglecting electron inertia and pressure, is employed in the simulation of quasi-parallel bow shock structures. It is found that for an Alfven Mach number smaller than 3, the magnetic field profile of the shock is laminar or quasi-laminar, and that the upstream waves are right-hand polarized whistlers. Downstream waves are absent or low in amplitudes. For Alfven Mach numbers greater than 3, the magnetic field profile of the shock is turbulent, and the upstream waves are again right-hand polarized whistlers. The transition from laminar-subcritical to turbulent-supercritical shock structures is shown to be due to the firehose instability which occurs at Alfven Mach numbers greater than about 3.

Kan, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Reverse Energy Cascade in Turbulent Weakly Ionized Plasmas

For systems far from equilibrium, the neglect of a role for viscous effects in turbulence may be generally inappropriate when the relaxation time for the molecular process approaches the local flow time (Orou et al. (1996)). Furthermore, for stationary collisional plasmas, the conventional Reynolds number is irrelevant under circumstances where the standard features of turbulence in ordinary gases are observed in the plasma (Johnson et al. (1987)). The current theoretical understanding of these turbulent phenomenon is particularly inadequate for turbulence associated with ionizing shock waves; generally speaking, thermodynamic, acoustic and pressure fluctuations are all seen as amplified across the shock wave followed by a dramatic decay (relaminarization) usually attributed to a lack of importance of viscosity in the turbulent regions. This decay would be accelerated when the flow speed is also reduced due to the importance usually given to the conventional Reynolds number (which is directly proportional to velocity) as a quality of turbulence index. However, evidence supporting this consensus is lacking. By contrast, recent evidence of vanishing triple correlations form De Silva et al. (1996) provides strong support for early theoretical speculation of inherently molecular effects in macroscopic turbulence in Tsuge (1974). This specifically suggests that the role of compressive effects ordinarily associated with the shock wave could be significantly muted by the existence of a strongly turbulent local environment. There is also more recent theoretical speculation (Frisch et al. (1984)) of an inherently and previously unsuspected non-dissipative nature to turbulence, with energy conservation being nurtured by reverse energy cascades in the turbulent fluctuation spectra. Furthermore, the role which might be played by fluctuations on quantum mechanical phenomena and variations in molecular parameters is completely unknown, especially of the sort which might be found in optical spectra. A determination of the role which changing turbulent parameters might play on optical signatures behind a reflected shock wave should therefore provide a useful tool for the evolution of theoretical models for turbulence.

Williams, Kyron↗

NASA NTRS1978

A dispersion relationship governing incompressible wall turbulence

The method of separation of variables is shown to make turbulent correlation equations of Karman-Howarth type tractable for shear turbulence as well under the condition of neglected triple correlation. The separated dependent variable obeys an Orr-Sommerfeld equation. A new analytical method is developed using a scaling law different from the classical one due to Heisenberg and Lin and more appropriate for wall turbulent profiles. A dispersion relationship between the wave number and the separation constant which has the dimension of a frequency is derived in support of experimental observations of wave or coherent structure of wall turbulence.

Tsuge, S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Rocket measurements of mesospheric ionization irregularities

The Langmuir-probe technique for measurement of electron concentration in the mesosphere is capable of excellent altitude resolution, of order 1 m. Measurements from nine rocket flights frequently show small-scale ionization structures in the altitude region 60-90 km. These are believed to be identical with regions of strong coherent backscatter seen by VHF radars at Jicamarca, Peru and Urbana, Illinois. They are believed to represent intermittent turbulence attributable to nonlinear interaction of waves in the mesosphere. Parameters of the turbulent regions are estimated.

Stoltzfus, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Mountain waves and CAT encountered by the XB-70 in the stratosphere.

The data from 36 XB-70 flights conducted over the mountainous regions of the western United States together with rawinsonde data were used to investigate relationships between conditions favorable for mountain waves and clear air turbulence. Profiles for the Scorer parameter and the gradient Richardson number were evaluated from the rawinsonde data. The Scorer parameter and the gradient Richardson number profiles were computed on those days when the XB-70 flew, and these results compared to model profiles and related to the reported turbulence. Ascent rate profiles of rawinsonde balloons were analyzed from which the presence of mountain or lee waves was inferred.

Scoggins, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Compressible turbulent boundary layer interaction experiments

Four phases of research results are reported: (1) experiments on the compressible turbulent boundary layer flow in a streamwise corner; (2) the two dimensional (2D) interaction of incident shock waves with a compressible turbulent boundary layer; (3) three dimensional (3D) shock/boundary layer interactions; and (4) cooperative experiments at Princeton and numerical computations at NASA-Ames.

Settles, G. S.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Simulations of a hypersonic turbulent boundary layer over wavy surfaces

Here, we conduct large-eddy simulations of a Mach 5.84 cold wall turbulent boundary layer over one-dimensional wavy walls with varying amplitudes and wavelengths. Across all wall topologies, a series of alternating shock and expansion waves is shown to influence the entire boundary layer, and generate repeating wave patterns in the turbulent stresses, dispersive stresses, and turbulent kinetic energy budget. The series of alternating shocks and expansions imposes repeating adverse and favourable pressure gradients across the wavy wall, and at sufficient wall amplitude, triggers flow separation in the trough of the wave. Flow separation is demonstrated to influence the behaviour of wall pressure fluctuations over the wavy wall. In attached flows, the prominent frequencies are consistent with integral-scale boundary layer turbulence, whereas in separated flows, a two-decade frequency range is present, akin to two-dimensional shock–boundary layer interactions. Counter-rotating streamwise-oriented structures are observed on the windward side of the wave, which diminish over the wave crest. A conditional analysis demonstrates that these structures are present in the upstream boundary layer, and are amplified with increasing wall amplitude. An examination of the Görtler number and probability density function (PDF) of the fluctuating lateral wall shear stress demonstrates the strong correlation between a large Görtler number and growth of the PDF tail density, suggesting that the amplification of the counter-rotating streamwise-oriented structures are linked to centrifugal instabilities in regions of streamline concavity.

boundary layers↗

NASA NTRS1998

Mesoscale Variability in SUCCESS Data

Analysis of meteorological, chemical, and microphysical data from the airborne SUCCESS mission is reported. Careful analysis of the complex DC-8 flight pattern of May 2, 1996 reveals 19 linear or nearly linear flight segments within six main geographical areas, which we have analyzed. Significant mountain wave activity is revealed in the data from the MMS and MTP instruments on the DC-8, which resembles previous observations of mountain wave structures near Boulder, CO. Strong mountain-wave-induced upwelling downwind of the Rockies is noted. Turbulence is also noted in regions of the mountain wave consistent with overturning near the tropopause. Zonal winds recorded on the ER-2 are shown to consistent with mountain wave breaking at or near critical levels in the stratosphere, consistent with the strong turbulence reported by the pilot during the ER-2 flight. Those observations have been supported with spectral analyses and modeling studies. "Postcasts" of mountain wave activity on May 2, 1996, using the Naval Research Laboratory Mountain Wave Forecast Model (NRL/MWFM) predicts both strong mountain wave activity near the tropopause (as measured by the DC-8) and strong mountain-wave-induced turbulence in the stratosphere (as encountered by the ER-2). Two-dimensional simulations of fluid flow over topography reveal similar isentropic structures to observations.

Eckermann, Stephen D.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Mesoscale Variability in SUCCESS Data

Analysis of meteorological, chemical and microphysical data from the airborne SUCCESS (SUbsonic aircraft Contrail and Cloud Effects Special Study) mission is reported. Careful analysis of the complex DC-8 flight pattern of May 2, 1996 reveals 19 linear flight segments within six main geographical areas, which we have analyzed. Significant mountain wave activity is revealed in the data from the MMS (Meteorology Measurement System) and MTP (Microwave Temperature Profiler) instruments on the DC-8, which resembles previous observations of mountain wave structures near Boulder, Colorado. Strong mountain-wave-induced upwelling downwind of the Rockies is noted. Turbulence is also noted in regions of the mountain wave consistent with overturning near the tropopause. Zonal winds recorded on the ER-2 are shown to be consistent with mountain wave breaking at or near critical levels in the stratosphere, consistent with the strong turbulence reported by the pilot during the ER-2 flight. These observations have been supported with spectral analyses and modeling studies. 'Postcasts' of mountain wave activity on May 2, 1996 using the Naval Research Laboratory Mountain Wave Forecast Model predicts both strong mountain wave activity near the tropopause and strong mountain-wave-induced turbulence in the stratosphere.

Eckermann, Stephen D.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Relationship Between Alfvenic Fluctuations and Heavy Ion Heating in the Cusp at 1 Re

We look at the effect of heavy ion heating from their coupling with observed broadband (BB-ELF) emissions. These wave fluctuations are common to many regions of the ionosphere and magnetosphere and have been described as spatial turbulence of dispersive Alfven waves (DAW) with short perpendicular wavelengths. With Polar passing through the cusp at 1 Re in the Spring of 1996, we show the correlation of their wave power with mass-resolved O+ derived heating rates. This relationship lead to the study of the coupling of the thermal O+ ions and these bursty electric fields. We demonstrate the role of these measurements in the suggestion of DAW and stochastic ion heating and the observed density cavity characteristics.

Coffey, Victoria↗

NASA NTRS1992

Homogeneous quantum electrodynamic turbulence

The electromagnetic field equations and Dirac equations for oppositely charged wave functions are numerically time-integrated using a spatial Fourier method. The numerical approach used, a spectral transform technique, is based on a continuum representation of physical space. The coupled classical field equations contain a dimensionless parameter which sets the strength of the nonlinear interaction (as the parameter increases, interaction volume decreases). For a parameter value of unity, highly nonlinear behavior in the time-evolution of an individual wave function, analogous to ideal fluid turbulence, is observed. In the truncated Fourier representation which is numerically implemented here, the quantum turbulence is homogeneous but anisotropic and manifests itself in the nonlinear evolution of equilibrium modal spatial spectra for the probability density of each particle and also for the electromagnetic energy density. The results show that nonlinearly interacting fermionic wave functions quickly approach a multi-mode, dynamic equilibrium state, and that this state can be determined by numerical means.

Shebalin, John V.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Experiments on current-driven three-dimensional ion sound turbulence. I - Return-current limited electron beam injection. II - Wave dynamics

Pulsed electron beam injection into a weakly collisional magnetized background plasma is investigated experimentally; properties of the electron beam and background plasma, as well as the low-frequency instabilities and wave dynamics, are discussed. The current of the injected beam closes via a field-aligned return current of background electrons. Through study of the frequency and wavenumber distribution, together with the electron distribution function, the low-frequency instabilities associated with the pulsed injection are identified as ion acoustic waves driven unstable by the return current. The frequency cut-off of the instabilities predicted from renormalized plasma turbulence theory, has been verified experimentally.

Stenzel, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Sonic boom in turbulence

Poisson density functions and factor analysis of shock wave propagation and sonic boom spectra in turbulent flow

Horning, W. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Propagation in a shearing plasma. II - Turbulence and the frequency range of pulsar microstructure

Numerical calculations are presented which explore the propagation of radio waves and pulses through a turbulent shearing plasma. A stochastic model is used to describe the turbulent velocity field, in which random fluctuations are superposed on a mean profile. Both Gaussian wave packets and shot-noise pulses polarized in the plane of shearing acquire quasi-periodic intensity modulations above the rest-frame plasma frequency. The frequency range over which these modulations appear is shown to depend on the spatial correlation length of the turbulent fluctuations and on their standard deviation from the mean velocity. The period of the modulations is variable from one realization of the random process to the next, and the average period is frequency dependent. The results of these calculations lend further support to a model for pulsar microstructure in which periodic micropulses are pure temporal modulations of the emitted radiation due to propagation effects in magnetospheric shearing regions. It is shown that turbulence on a scale of approximately 10 cm can produce these quasi-periodic modulations over a frequency range comparable to that of observed microstructure.

Harding, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Jovian seismology

It is hypothesized that observations of the Doppler shifting of IR and UV absorption lines may furnish a powerful method for the detection of 4.5-9 min standing acoustic waves trapped in a wave duct beneath the Jupiter tropopause. Similarly, data could be obtained on Jupiter's thermal and density structure, and on the depth to which its zonal winds penetrate. The present model of standing oscillations in the molecular hydrogen envelope gives attention to theoretical eigenfrequencies and to such forcing functions for wave generation as coupling with turbulent and convective motions, thermal instability due to radiative transfer, wave propagation effects in a saturated atmosphere, and ortho-to-parahydrogen conversion. The small contribution that the forcing mechanisms make to velocity amplitudes implies that the Doppler shifting caused by the waves may only be resolvable through the superposition of oscillation records to enhance S/N ratios.

Bercovici, D.↗