Evidence of the k1-1 law in a high-Reynolds-number turbulent boundary layer -: art. no. 074501

Dimensional analysis and overlap arguments lead to a prediction of a region in the streamwise velocity spectrum of wall-bounded turbulent flows in which the dependence on the streamwise wave number, k(1), is given by k(1)(-1). Some recent experiments have questioned the existence of this region. In this Letter, experimental spectra are presented which support the existence of the k(1)(-1) law in a high-Reynolds-number boundary layer. This Letter presents the experimental results and discusses the theoretical and experimental issues involved in examining the existence of the k(1)(-1) law and the reasons why it has proved so elusive.