LAUSR

An analysis of the spectral turbulent kinetic energy budget in a fully developed turbulent plane channel flow is performed. Direct numerical simulation data are evaluated at friction Reynolds numbers Reτ of 180 and 1000. The analysis is focused on the influence of the Reynolds number on the spectral cascade of energy and the corresponding energy cascade in physical space in the presence of inhomogeneity and anisotropy. The turbulent kinetic energy distribution is compared for both Reynolds numbers, and the relevant characteristics of the energy transfer process in a wall-bounded turbulent flow are described. Differences in energy cascade are noted between the Reynolds number at both low and high wavenumbers. The results of the analysis are further assessed with a comparison to an earlier study of spectral energy transfer at Reτ = 180.