Large-scale sweeping of small-scale eddies in turbulence: A filtering approach

We present an analysis of the Navier-Stokes equations based on a spatial filtering technique to elucidate the multiscale nature of fully developed turbulence. In particular, the advection of a band-pass-filtered small-scale contribution by larger scales is considered, and rigorous upper bounds are established for the various dynamically active scales. The analytical predictions are confirmed with direct numerical simulation data. The results are discussed with respect to the establishment of effective large-scale equations valid for turbulent flows.