The structure of turbulence

Summary

Turbulence is directly related to the existence of a shear or boundary layer. In such a layer there exists under equilibrium conditions a balance between the creative and destructive processes. The author has shown that to account for the creative process there existes a definite structure, characterized as a universal element of turbulence. This element, because of an obvious resemblance in form, has been termed the “horseshoe”. The predicted structure constitutes a nonstationary solution of the equation of motion. The main horseshoe is the shear transmitting element. It is shown that its surface is covered by a multiple arrangement of ever smaller order horseshoes. Reports on experimental work will be available in the near future, as will also a kinematographic record showing the development of the basic horseshoe structure in a boundary layer.