arXiv subjects

Antoine Venaille

Publications and source records attributed to Antoine Venaille.

42 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Oceanic rings and jets as statistical equilibrium states

Equilibrium statistical mechanics of two-dimensional flows provides an explanation and a prediction for the self-organization of large scale coherent structures. This theory is applied in this paper to the description of oceanic rings and jets, in the framework of a 1.5 layer quasi-geostrophic model. The theory predicts the spontaneous formation of regions where the potential vorticity is homogenized, with strong and localized jets at their interface. Mesoscale rings are shown to be close to a statistical equilibrium: the theory accounts for their shape, their drift, and their ubiquity in the ocean, independently of the underlying generation mechanism. At basin scale, inertial states presenting mid basin eastward jets (and then different from the classical Fofonoff solution) are described as marginally unstable states. These states are shown to be marginally unstable for the equilibrium statistical theory. In that case, considering a purely inertial limit is a first step toward more comprehensive out of equilibrium studies that would take into account other essential aspects, such as wind forcing.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2011

Solvable phase diagrams and ensemble inequivalence for two-dimensional and geophysical turbulent flows

Using explicit analytical computations, generic occurrence of inequivalence between two or more statistical ensembles is obtained for a large class of equilibrium states of two-dimensional and geophysical turbulent flows. The occurrence of statistical ensemble inequivalence is shown to be related to previously observed phase transitions in the equilibrium flow topology. We find in these turbulent flow equilibria, two mechanisms for the appearance of ensemble equivalences, that were not observed in any physical systems before. These mechanisms are associated respectively with second-order azeotropy (simultaneous appearance of two second-order phase transitions), and with bicritical points (bifurcation from a first-order to two second-order phase transition lines). The important roles of domain geometry, of topography, and of a screening length scale (the Rossby radius of deformation) are discussed. It is found that decreasing the screening length scale (making interactions more local) surprisingly widens the range of parameters associated with ensemble inequivalence. These results are then generalized to a larger class of models, and applied to a complete description of an academic model for inertial oceanic circulation, the Fofonoff flow.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2008

Is turbulent mixing a self convolution process ?

Experimental results for the evolution of the probability distribution function (PDF) of a scalar mixed by a turbulence flow in a channel are presented. The sequence of PDF from an initial skewed distribution to a sharp Gaussian is found to be non universal. The route toward homogeneization depends on the ratio between the cross sections of the dye injector and the channel. In link with this observation, advantages, shortcomings and applicability of models for the PDF evolution based on a self-convolution mechanisms are discussed.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2008

Equilibrium and out of equilibrium phase transitions in systems with long range interactions and in 2D flows

In self-gravitating stars, two dimensional or geophysical flows and in plasmas, long range interactions imply a lack of additivity for the energy; as a consequence, the usual thermodynamic limit is not appropriate. However, by contrast with many claims, the equilibrium statistical mechanics of such systems is a well understood subject. In this proceeding, we explain briefly the classical approach to equilibrium and non equilibrium statistical mechanics for these systems, starting from first principles. We emphasize recent and new results, mainly a classification of equilibrium phase transitions, new unobserved equilibrium phase transition, and out of equilibrium phase transitions. We briefly discuss what we consider as challenges in this field.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2007

Ensemble inequivalence, bicritical points and azeotropy for generalized Fofonoff flows

We present a theoretical description for the equilibrium states of a large class of models of two-dimensional and geophysical flows, in arbitrary domains. We account for the existence of ensemble inequivalence and negative specific heat in those models, for the first time using explicit computations. We give exact theoretical computation of a criteria to determine phase transition location and type. Strikingly, this criteria does not depend on the model, but only on the domain geometry. We report the first example of bicritical points and second order azeotropy in the context of systems with long range interactions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2006

A dynamical equation for the distribution of a scalar advected by turbulence

A phenomenological model for the dissipation of scalar fluctuations due to the straining by the fluid motion is proposed in this letter. An explicit equation is obtained for the time evolution of the probability distribution function of a coarse-grained scalar concentration. The model relies on a self-convolution process. We first present this model in the Batchelor regime and then extend empirically our result to the turbulent case. The inclusion of this model in more general transport equations, including spatial gradients, is discussed in relation with 2D turbulence and stratified flows.

physics.flu-dyn↗