Nonlinear Instability Analysis, Chaos and Turbulence (Advances in Fluid Mechanics Volume 20)

This collection of invited articles has been written by fluid dynamicists and applied mathematicians who have made significant contributions to the areas of nonlinear flow instabilities, chaotic motion and turbulence. It provides a digest of current developments, open questions and unsolved problems that are likely to determine fruitful directions for future advanced study and research. Both thermal and shear flow systems are covered, while applications reviewed included aerodynamics a d materials processing, geophysics, oceanography, atmospheric science and astrophysics.

This volume contains various chapters on nonlinear instability, chaos and turbulence with special reference to nonlinear waves, rotating flows, statistical stability, cyclic instability, solidifying systems, wavelet analysis of turbulence, gravitational instability, salt-finger instability and nonlinear convective flows. Special emphasis is given to unsolved problems and open questions in the formulation, modeling, simulation and in other physical aspects of nonlinear laminar and turbulent flows. Fundamental importance of nonlinear instability mechanisms for the laminar flow evolution, its transition to chaotic motion and the subsequent turbulent state is discussed in some detail.

This book is a collection of research and research expository articles written by the leading experts who have made important contributions to these areas. It brings together current developments in the theory and applications of nonlinear instability, chaos, and turbulence and related topics that are likely to determine fruitful directions for further study and research. It is also intended as a reference guide for the readers interested in advanced study and research in nonlinear phenomena.