Rapid distortion theory: a linear theory of turbulence
By: Miguel Teixeira
From: Centro de Geofisica e Instituto Dom Luiz,
Universidade de Lisboa
At: Complexo Interdisciplinar, Anfiteatro
[2008-03-26]
Turbulence is generally viewed as a prime example of a nonlinear process, and rightly so since its broad spectrum results from strong interactions between the different scales of motion. However, once it is fully developed, turbulence is subjected to a number of external forcings, such as the influence of boundaries, and of gradients of mean flows where it is embedded. These forcings, which lead to important modifications in the turbulence energy, anisotropy and structure, can be treated in the linear framework of rapid distortion theory (RDT). In my talk I begin by introducing RDT for various types of mean flows with and without boundaries. I will then give a few examples of recent applications of this theory to problems concerning oceanic turbulence.