Self-Organization in Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Turbulence Self-Organization in Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Turbulence

Abstract

Abstract The three-dimensional incompressible Euler equations are expanded in eigenflows of the curl operator, which represent positive and negative helicity flows in a particularly simple and convenient way. Four different basic types of interactions between eigenflows are found. Two represent an "inverse cascade", the interaction familiar from the two-dimensional Euler equations, in which only modes of the same sign of the helicity interact. The other two interactions mix positive and negative helicity modes. Only these interactions can transport all of the available energy to higher wave numbers. Initial conditions, which lead to the appearance of structures and self-organization, are discussed.