On the Anisotropic Vorticity in Turbulent Channel Flows

Revisiting the fluctuating vorticity field in the centerplane of a turbulent channel flow, we show that the vorticity is distinctly anisotropic at low Reynolds numbers (Re). This result is in contrast with some earlier conclusions. The anisotropy is a function of Re, and we have compiled data to show that the anisotropy gradually vanishes with increasing Re. Acknowledging the anisotropy is important for current efforts on simulating turbulent particle suspensions.