Multi-scale theory of rotating turbulence

N. Leprovost, Eun Jin Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
17 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Aims. To understand the dynamics of stellar interiors, we study the effect of rotation on turbulence. Methods. We consider turbulence induced by an arbitrary forcing and derive turbulence amplitude and turbulent transport coefficients (turbulent viscosity and diffusivity), by using first a quasi-linear theory and then a multi-scale renormalisation analysis. Results. With an isotropic forcing, the quasi-linear theory gives that the turbulent transport coefficients, both parallel and perpendicular to the rotation vector, have the asymptotic scaling Ω-1 for rapid rotation (i.e. when the rotation rate Ω is larger than the inverse of the correlation time of the forcing and the diffusion time), while the renormalisation analysis suggests a weaker dependence on Ω with Ω-1/2 scaling. The turbulence amplitude is found to scale as Ω0 - Ω-1 in the rapid rotation limit depending on the property of the forcing. In the case of an anisotropic forcing with inhibited motion in the vertical direction, as should be relevant in a strongly stratified medium, we find that non-diffusive fluxes of angular momentum scale as Ω-2 - Ω-1 for rapid rotation, depending on the temporal correlation of the forcing. We discuss the implications of our result for the dynamics of stellar interiors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)901-909
Number of pages9
JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics
Volume471
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2007
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright © and Moral Rights are retained by the author(s) and/ or other copyright owners. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This item cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder(s). The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders.

Keywords

  • Stars: interiors
  • Stars: rotation
  • Turbulence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multi-scale theory of rotating turbulence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this