An Introduction to Turbulent Flow

Provides the physical and mathematical framework necessary to understand turbulent flow.

Most natural and industrial flows are turbulent. The atmosphere and oceans, automobile and aircraft engines, all provide examples of this ubiquitous phenomenon. In recent years, turbulence has become a very lively area of scientific research and application, attracting many newcomers who need a basic introduction to the subject. An Introduction to Turbulent Flow, first published in 2000, offers a solid grounding in the subject of turbulence, developing both physical insight and the mathematical framework needed to express the theory. It begins with a review of the physical nature of turbulence, statistical tools, and space and time scales of turbulence. Basic theory is presented next, illustrated by examples of simple turbulent flows and developed through classical models of jets, wakes, and boundary layers. A deeper understanding of turbulence dynamics is provided by spectral analysis and its applications. The final chapter introduces the numerical simulation of turbulent flows. This well-balanced text will interest graduate students in engineering, applied mathematics, and the physical sciences.

Preface and roadmap; General references; 1. An introduction to turbulence; 2. Statistical tools; 3. Space and time scales of turbulence; 4. Basic theory and illustrative examples; 5. Classical models of jets, wakes and boundary layers; 6. Spectral analysis of homogeneous turbulence; 7. Kolmogorov's and other theories based on spectral analysis; 8. Numerical simulation of turbulent flows.

An Introduction to Turbulent Flow develops both physical insight and the mathematical framework needed to express the theory. It begins with a review of the physical nature of turbulence, statistical tools, and space and time scales of turbulence. Basic theory is presented next, while remaining chapters cover spectral analysis and its applications and the numerical simulation of turbulent flows.