Turbulence, Transitions, and Transport in Flatland

Supervisor

Dr. Rowena Ball Phone: 6125 2437

A striking characteristic of flows in which the turbulent kinetic energy shows an inverse spectral flux is their inherent tendency to self-organise, a consequence of the predominant quasi 2-dimensional (q2d) velocity field seen by the fluid elements. We are interested in harnessing the distinctive properties of q2d fluid motions in applications as diverse as weather prediction, fusion plasmas, industrial fluids, and improved special effects in computer-animated films and games. In this project numerical simulations and reduced dynamical system modelling will be complementary methods for studying gradient-driven q2d turbulent flows.