Self-similarity in decaying two-dimensional stably stratified adjustment

DOI10.1063/1.2717514zbMATH Open1146.76548arXivphysics/0607045OpenAlexW3105262930MaRDI QIDQ3531983FDOQ3531983

Authors: Jai Sukhatme, Leslie Smith 

Publication date: 3 November 2008

Published in: Physics of Fluids (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: The evolution of large-scale density perturbations is studied in a stably stratified, two-dimensional flow governed by the Boussinesq equations. As is known, intially smooth density (or temperature) profiles develop into fronts in the very early stages of evolution. This results in a frontally dominated $k^{-1}$ potential energy spectrum. The fronts, initially characterized by a relatively simple geometry, spontaneously develop into severely distorted sheets that possess structure at very fine scales, and thus there is a transfer of energy from large to small scales. It is shown here that this process culminates in the establishment of a $k^{-5/3}$ kinetic energy spectrum, although its scaling extends over a shorter range as compared to the $k^{-1}$ scaling of the potential energy spectrum. The establishment of the kinetic energy scaling signals the onset of enstrophy decay which proceeds in a mildly modulated exponential manner and possesses a novel self-similarity. Specifically, the self-similarity is seen in the time invariant nature of the probability density function (pdf{}) associated with the normalized vorticity field. Given the rapid decay of energy at this stage, the spectral scaling is transient and fades with the emergence of a smooth, large-scale, very slowly decaying, (almost) vertically sheared horizontal mode with most of its energy in the potential component -- i.e. the Pearson-Linden regime.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0607045

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Fluid mechanics (76-XX)

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Cited In (6)

• Linearly implicit methods for nonlinear PDEs with linear dispersion and dissipation
• Tropical cyclogenesis and vertical shear in a moist Boussinesq model
• Power-law decaying oscillations of neutrally buoyant spheres in continuously stratified fluid
• Vortical and wave modes in 3D rotating stratified flows: random large-scale forcing
• Discrete solitary waves in systems with nonlocal interactions and the Peierls-Nabarro barrier
• Asymptotics of unit Burger number rotating and stratified flows for small aspect ratio

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