The third-order law for increments in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence with constant shear

Journal Article · Tue Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3240333· OSTI ID:21282087

Wan, M; Servidio, S; Matthaeus, W H ^[1]; Oughton, S ^[2]

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1. Department of Physics and Astronomy and Bartol Research Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716 (United States)
2. Department of Mathematics, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240 (New Zealand)

We extend the theory for third-order structure functions in homogeneous incompressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence to the case in which a constant velocity shear is present. A generalization is found of the usual relation [Politano and Pouquet, Phys. Rev. E 57, 21 (1998)] between third-order structure functions and the dissipation rate in steady inertial range turbulence, in which the shear plays a crucial role. In particular, the presence of shear leads to a third-order law which is not simply proportional to the relative separation. Possible implications for laboratory and space plasmas are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 21282087
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 16; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA
SHEAR
STRUCTURE FUNCTIONS
TURBULENCE