Fine Scale Structure of Turbulent Velocity Fields.

An experimental investigation of three turbulent shear flows-a two-dimensional mixing layer, a high Reynolds number axisymmetric jet, and a cylinder wake-was completed. The measurements provide new information on the higher-order statistical characteristics of these flow fields and on the development of the mixing layer flow towards a self-preserving state. The relevance of initial conditions on the development of the mixing layer flow is considered in light of both present and previous data. An investigation of the validity of the Kolmogorov local similarity theories for the fine scale structure of turbulent velocity fields was undertaken. The importance of considering effects on spectra caused by deviations from Taylors hypothesis in high intensity flows was demonstrated. Finally an experimental study of the relaminarization of turbulent pipe flow subjected to a large decrease in Reynolds number was initiated.