Eddy-to-mean energy transfer in geophysical turbulent jet flows; 283-294

Source abstract

The eddy-to-mean energy transfer in turbulent flows is discussed. The discussion proceeds from the theory of rotationally anisotropic turbulence (RAT theory). It is shown that the rotational viscosity introduced in the RAT theory to quantify the interaction between the orientated (large-scale) turbulence constituent and the average flow can explain the eddy-to-mean energy transfer. The theoretical predictions are particularized for a jet stream model in a geophysical situation and compared with the data measured in the Gulf Stream transverse sections along 26°N (Florida Straits) and along 35°N (off Onslow Bay). The suggested model agrees with the measured data and points to a substantial difference in the data interpretation within the suggested model and within the conventional turbulence mechanics.