arXiv subjects

Dwight Barkley

Publications and source records attributed to Dwight Barkley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

A deep-water closure model for surface waves on axisymmetric swirling flows

We consider the propagation of linear gravity waves on the free surface of steady, axisymmetric flows with purely azimuthal velocity. We propose a two-dimensional set of governing equations for surface waves valid in the deep-water limit. These equations come from a closure condition at the free surface that reduces the three-dimensional Euler equations in the bulk of the fluid to a set of two-dimensional equations applied only at the free surface. Since the closure condition is not obtained rigorously, it is validated numerically through comparisons with full three-dimensional calculations for vortex flows, including for a Lamb-Oseen vortex. The model presented here overcomes three limitations of existing models, namely: it is not restricted to potential base flows; it does not assume the base flow to have a flat free surface; and it does not require the use of infinite-order differential operators (such as $\tanh(\nabla)$) in the governing equations. The model can be applied in the case of rapid swirl (large Froude number) where the base free surface is substantially deformed. Since the model contains only derivatives of finite order, it is readily amenable to standard numerical study.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2024

Phase transition to turbulence via moving fronts

Directed percolation (DP), a universality class of continuous phase transitions, has recently been established as a possible route to turbulence in subcritical wall-bounded flows. In canonical straight pipe or planar flows, the transition occurs via discrete large-scale turbulent structures, known as puffs in pipe flow or bands in planar flows, which either self-replicate or laminarize. However, these processes might not be universal to all subcritical shear flows. Here, we design a numerical experiment that eliminates discrete structures in plane Couette flow and show that it follows a different, simpler transition scenario: turbulence proliferates via expanding fronts and decays via spontaneous creation of laminar zones. We map this phase transition onto a stochastic one-variable system. The level of turbulent fluctuations dictates whether moving-front transition is discontinuous, or continuous and within the DP universality class, with profound implications for other hydrodynamic systems.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2023

Model for transitional turbulence in a planar shear flow

A central obstacle to understanding the route to turbulence in wall-bounded flows is that the flows are composed of complex, highly fluctuating, and strongly nonlinear states. In the case of pipe flow, models have deepened our understanding of turbulent onset by providing valuable theory to complement experiments and simulations. In planar cases, the large-scale flows associated with transitional turbulence are considerably more complex than for pipes, limiting our ability to develop models and provide theoretical analyses for these cases. We address this challenge here by deriving from the Navier-Stokes equations a simplified model for transitional turbulence in a planar setting. The Reynolds-averaged and turbulent-kinetic-energy equations are projected onto a minimal set of wall-normal modes and justified model closures are used for the Reynolds stresses and turbulent dissipation and transport. The model reproduces phenomena found at the onset of turbulence in planar shear flows, such as turbulent-laminar patterns (turbulent bands) oriented obliquely to the streamwise direction and large-scale flows associated with both stationary patterns and growing turbulent spots. We demonstrate the model's utility by showing that patterns arise with decreasing Reynolds number via a linear instability of uniform turbulence and by deriving a selection criterion for the pattern orientation at onset.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2022

Trapped Free Surface Waves for a Lamb-Oseen Vortex Flow

Trapped surface waves have been observed in a swimming pool trapped by, and rotating around, the cores of vortices. To investigate this effect, we have numerically studied the free-surface response of a Lamb--Oseen vortex to small perturbations. The fluid has finite depth but is laterally unbounded. The numerical method used is spectrally accurate, and uses a novel non-reflecting buffer region to simulate a laterally unbounded fluid. While a variety of linear waves can arise in this flow, we focus here on surface gravity waves. We investigate the linear modes of the vortex as a function of the perturbation azimuthal mode number and the vortex rotation rate. We find that at low rotation rates, linear modes decay by radiating energy to the far field, while at higher rotation rates modes become nearly neutrally stable and trapped in the vicinity of the vortex. While trapped modes have previously been seen in shallow water surface waves due to small perturbations of a bathtub vortex, the situation considered here is qualitatively different owing to the lack of an inward flow and the dispersive nature of non-shallow-water waves. We also find that for slow vortex rotation rates, trapped waves propagate in the opposite direction to the vortex rotation, whereas, above a threshold rotation rate, waves co-rotate with the flow.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2020

Statistical transition to turbulence in plane channel flow

Intermittent turbulent-laminar patterns characterize the transition to turbulence in pipe, plane Couette and plane channel flows. The time evolution of turbulent-laminar bands in plane channel flow is studied via direct numerical simulations using the parallel pseudospectral code ChannelFlow in a narrow computational domain tilted by $24^{\circ}$ with respect to the streamwise direction. Mutual interactions between bands are studied through their propagation velocities. Energy profiles show that the flow surrounding isolated turbulent bands returns to the laminar base flow over large distances. Depending on the Reynolds number, a turbulent band can either decay to laminar flow or split into two bands. As with past studies of other wall-bounded shear flows, in most cases survival probabilities are found to be consistent with exponential distributions for both decay and splitting, indicating that the processes are memoryless. Statistically estimated mean lifetimes for decay and splitting are plotted as a function of the Reynolds number and lead to the estimation of a critical Reynolds number $Re_{\text{cross}}\simeq 965$, where decay and splitting lifetimes cross at greater than $10^6$ advective time units. The processes of splitting and decay are also examined through analysis of their Fourier spectra. The dynamics of large-scale spectral components seem to statistically follow the same pathway during the splitting of a turbulent band and may be considered as precursors of splitting.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2020

A fluid mechanic's analysis of the teacup singularity

The mechanism for singularity formation in an inviscid wall-bounded fluid flow is investigated. The incompressible Euler equations are numerically simulated in a cylindrical container. The flow is axisymmetric with swirl. The simulations reproduce and corroborate aspects of prior studies reporting strong evidence for a finite-time singularity. The analysis here focuses on the interplay between inertia and pressure, rather than on vorticity. Linearity of the pressure Poisson equation is exploited to decompose the pressure field into independent contributions arising from the meridional flow and from the swirl, and enforcing incompressibility and enforcing flow confinement. The key pressure field driving the blowup of velocity gradients is that confining the fluid within the cylinder walls. A model is presented based on a primitive-variables formulation of the Euler equations on the cylinder wall, with closure coming from how pressure is determined from velocity. The model captures key features in the mechanics of the blowup scenario.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2018

The Self-Sustaining Process in Taylor-Couette Flow

The transition from Tayor vortex flow to wavy-vortex flow is revisited. The Self-Sustaining Process (SSP) of Waleffe [Phys. Fluids 9, 883-900 (1997)] proposes that a key ingredient in transition to turbulence in wall-bounded shear flows is a three-step process involving rolls advecting streamwise velocity, leading to streaks which become unstable to a wavy perturbation whose nonlinear interaction with itself feeds the rolls. We investigate this process in Taylor-Couette flow. The instability of Taylor-vortex flow to wavy-vortex flow, a process which is the inspiration for the second phase of the SSP, is shown to be caused by the streaks, with the rolls playing a negligible role, as predicted by Jones [J. Fluid Mech. 157, 135-162 (1985)] and demonstrated by Martinand et al. [Phys. Fluids 26, 094102 (2014)]. In the third phase of the SSP, the nonlinear interaction of the waves with themselves reinforces the rolls. We show this both quantitatively and qualitatively, identifying physical regions in which this reinforcement is strongest, and also demonstrate that this nonlinear interaction depletes the streaks.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2018

Modeling shape selection of buckled dielectric elastomers

A dielectric elastomer whose edges are held fixed will buckle, given sufficient applied voltage, resulting in a nontrivial out-of-plane deformation. We study this situation numerically using a nonlinear elastic model which decouples two of the principal electrostatic stresses acting on an elastomer: normal pressure due to the mutual attraction of oppositely charged electrodes and tangential shear ("fringing") due to repulsion of like charges at the electrode edges. These enter via physically simplified boundary conditions that are applied in a fixed reference domain using a nondimensional approach. The method is valid for small to moderate strains and is straightforward to implement in a generic nonlinear elasticity code. We validate the model by directly comparing the simulated equilibrium shapes with the experiment. For circular electrodes which buckle axisymetrically, the shape of the deflection profile is captured. Annular electrodes of different widths produce azimuthal ripples with wavelengths that match our simulations. In this case, it is essential to compute multiple equilibria because the first model solution obtained by the nonlinear solver (Newton's method) is often not the energetically favored state. We address this using a numerical technique known as "deflation". Finally, we observe the large number of different solutions that may be obtained for the case of a long rectangular strip.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2017

Universal continuous transition to turbulence in a planar shear flow

We examine the onset of turbulence in Waleffe flow -- the planar shear flow between stress-free boundaries driven by a sinusoidal body force. By truncating the wall-normal representation to four modes, we are able to simulate system sizes an order of magnitude larger than any previously simulated, and thereby to attack the question of universality for a planar shear flow. We demonstrate that the equilibrium turbulence fraction increases continuously from zero above a critical Reynolds number and that statistics of the turbulent structures exhibit the power-law scalings of the (2+1)-D directed percolation universality class.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2017

Speed and structure of turbulent fronts in pipe flow

Using extensive direct numerical simulations, the dynamics of laminar-turbulent fronts in pipe flow is investigated for Reynolds numbers between $Re=2000$ and $5500$. We here investigate the physical distinction between the fronts of weak and strong slugs both by analysing the turbulent kinetic energy budget and by comparing the downstream front motion to the advection speed of bulk turbulent structures. Our study shows that weak downstream fronts travel slower than turbulent structures in the bulk and correspond to decaying turbulence at the front. At $Re\simeq 2900$ the downstream front speed becomes faster than the advection speed, marking the onset of strong fronts. In contrast to weak fronts, turbulent eddies are generated at strong fronts by feeding on the downstream laminar flow. Our study also suggests that temporal fluctuations of production and dissipation at the downstream laminar-turbulent front drive the dynamical switches between the two types of front observed up to $Re\simeq 3200$.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2016

Turbulent-laminar patterns in shear flows without walls

Turbulent-laminar intermittency, typically in the form of bands and spots, is a ubiquitous feature of the route to turbulence in wall-bounded shear flows. Here we study the idealised shear between stress-free boundaries driven by a sinusoidal body force and demonstrate quantitative agreement between turbulence in this flow and that found in the interior of plane Couette flow -- the region excluding the boundary layers. Exploiting the absence of boundary layers, we construct a model flow that uses only four Fourier modes in the shear direction and yet robustly captures the range of spatiotemporal phenomena observed in transition, from spot growth to turbulent bands and uniform turbulence. The model substantially reduces the cost of simulating intermittent turbulent structures while maintaining the essential physics and a direct connection to the Navier-Stokes equations. We demonstrate the generic nature of this process by introducing stress-free equivalent flows for plane Poiseuille and pipe flows which again capture the turbulent-laminar structures seen in transition.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2016

Prediction of frequencies in thermosolutal convection from mean flows

Motivated by studies of the cylinder wake, in which the vortex-shedding frequency can be obtained from the mean flow, we study thermosolutal convection driven by opposing thermal and solutal gradients. In the archetypal two-dimensional geometry with horizontally periodic and vertical no-slip boundary conditions, branches of traveling waves and standing waves are created simultaneously by a Hopf bifurcation. Consistent with similar analyses performed on the cylinder wake, we find that the traveling waves of thermosolutal convection have the RZIF property, meaning that linearization about the mean fields of the traveling waves yields an eigenvalue whose real part is almost zero and whose imaginary part corresponds very closely to the nonlinear frequency. In marked contrast, linearization about the mean field of the standing waves yields neither zero growth nor the nonlinear frequency. It is shown that this difference can be attributed to the fact that the temporal power spectrum for the traveling waves is peaked, while that of the standing waves is broad. We give a general demonstration that the frequency of any quasi-monochromatic oscillation can be predicted from its temporal mean.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2015

The rise of fully turbulent flow

Over a century of research into the origin of turbulence in wallbounded shear flows has resulted in a puzzling picture in which turbulence appears in a variety of different states competing with laminar background flow. At slightly higher speeds the situation changes distinctly and the entire flow is turbulent. Neither the origin of the different states encountered during transition, nor their front dynamics, let alone the transformation to full turbulence could be explained to date. Combining experiments, theory and computer simulations here we uncover the bifurcation scenario organising the route to fully turbulent pipe flow and explain the front dynamics of the different states encountered in the process. Key to resolving this problem is the interpretation of the flow as a bistable system with nonlinear propagation (advection) of turbulent fronts. These findings bridge the gap between our understanding of the onset of turbulence and fully turbulent flows.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2014

Asymptotic dynamics of reflecting spiral waves

Resonantly forced spiral waves in excitable media drift in straight-line paths, their rotation centers behaving as point-like objects moving along trajectories with a constant velocity. Interaction with medium boundaries alters this velocity and may often result in a reflection of the drift trajectory. Such reflections have diverse characteristics and are known to be highly nonspecular in general. In this context we apply the theory of response functions, which via numerically computable integrals, reduces the reaction-diffusion equations governing the whole excitable medium to the dynamics of just the rotation center and rotation phase of a spiral wave. Spiral reflection trajectories are computed by this method for both small- and large-core spiral waves in the Barkley model. Such calculations provide insight into the process of reflection as well as explanations for differences in trajectories across parameters, including the effects of incidence angle and forcing amplitude. Qualitative aspects of these results are preserved far beyond the asymptotic limit of weak boundary effects and slow resonant drift.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2013

Computational study of subcritical response in flow past a circular cylinder

Flow past a circular cylinder is investigated in the subcritical regime, below the onset of Benard-von Karman vortex shedding at Re_c ~ 47. The transient response of infinitesimal perturbations is computed. The domain requirements for obtaining converged results is discussed at length. It is shown that energy amplification occurs as low as Re=2.2. Throughout much of the subcritical regime the maximum energy amplification increases approximately exponentially in the square of Re reaching 6800 at Re_c$. The spatiotemporal structure of the optimal transient dynamics is shown to be transitory Benard-von Karman vortex streets. At Re ~ 42 the long-time structure switches from exponentially increasing downstream to exponentially decaying downstream. Three-dimensional computations show that two-dimensional structures dominate the energy growth except at short times.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2013

Non-specular reflections in a macroscopic system with wave-particle duality: spiral waves in bounded media

Spiral waves in excitable media possess both wave-like and particle-like properties. When resonantly forced (forced at the spiral rotation frequency) spiral cores travel along straight trajectories, but may reflect from medium boundaries. Here, numerical simulations are used to study reflections from two types of boundaries. The first is a no-flux boundary which waves cannot cross, while the second is a step change in the medium excitability which waves do cross. Both small-core and large-core spirals are investigated. The predominant feature in all cases is that the reflected angle varies very little with incident angle for large ranges of incident angles. Comparisons are made to the theory of Biktashev and Holden. Large-core spirals exhibit other phenomena such as binding to boundaries. The dynamics of multiple reflections is briefly considered.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2011

Modeling the transition to turbulence in shear flows

One-dimensional models are presented for transitional shear flows. The models have two variables corresponding to turbulence intensity and mean shear. These variables evolve according to simple equations based on known properties of transitional turbulence. The first model considered is for pipe flow. A previous study modeled turbulence using a chaotic tent map. In the present work turbulence is modeled instead as multiplicative noise. This model captures the character of transitional pipe flow and contains metastable puffs, puff splitting, and slugs. These ideas are extended to a limited model of plane Couette flow.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2011

Simplifying the complexity of pipe flow

Transitional pipe flow is modeled as a one-dimensional excitable and bistable medium. Models are presented in two variables, turbulence intensity and mean shear, that evolve according to established properties of transitional turbulence. A continuous model captures the essence of the puff-slug transition as a change from excitability to bistability. A discrete model, that additionally incorporates turbulence locally as a chaotic repeller, reproduces almost all large-scale features of transitional pipe flow. In particular it captures metastable localized puffs, puff splitting, slugs, a continuous transition to sustained turbulence via spatiotemporal intermittency (directed percolation), and a subsequent increase in turbulence fraction towards uniform, featureless turbulence.

physics.flu-dyn↗