Scaling of global properties of fluctuating and mean streamwise velocities in pipe flow: Characterisation of a high Reynolds number transition region

Abstract

We study the global, i.e. radially averaged, high Reynolds number (asymptotic) scaling of streamwise turbulence intensity squared defined as ${I^2=\overline{u^2}/U^2}$, where $u$ and $U$ are the fluctuating and mean velocities, respectively (overbar is time averaging). The investigation is based on the mathematical abstraction that the logarithmic region in wall turbulence extends across the entire inner and outer layers. Results are matched to spatially integrated Princeton Superpipe measurements [Hultmark M, Vallikivi M, Bailey SCC and Smits AJ. Logarithmic scaling of turbulence in smooth- and rough-wall pipe flow. J. Fluid Mech. Vol. 728, 376-395 (2013)]. Scaling expressions are derived both for log-law and power-law functions of radius. A transition to asymptotic scaling is found at a friction Reynolds number $Re_{\tau} \sim 11000$.