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

We study the global, i.e., radially averaged, high Reynolds number (asymptotic) scaling of streamwise turbulence intensity squared defined as I 2 = 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 et al., Logarithmic scaling of turbulence in smooth- and rough-wall pipe flow, J. Fluid Mech. 728, 376-395 (2013)]. Scaling expressions are derived both for log- and power-law functions of radius. A transition to asymptotic scaling is found at a friction Reynolds number R e tau similar to 11 000.

Automated summary

The study focuses on the global high Reynolds number scaling of streamwise turbulence intensity squared, with a transition to asymptotic scaling found at a friction Reynolds number of about 11,000.