INFLUENCE OF COMPRESSIBILITY EFFECTS ON INERTIAL SCALES OF TURBULENCE AT DIFFERENT MACH NUMBERS
This thesis investigates the impact of compressibility on inertial scales of turbulence across varying Mach Numbers by isolating the effects of Reynolds Number, using two gases, air and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), addressing a significant research gap in the realm of compressible turbulence. In fluid dynamics, one can effectively maintain a constant Reynolds number when working with air and SF6 by strategically adjusting the pressure levels. This adjustment aims to ensure that the kinematic viscosity remains consistent between the two gases while allowing for variations in the Mach number, as SF6 has a lower speed of sound than that of air. This study aims to unveil novel insights that enrich our comprehension of turbulence in diverse fluid scenarios by scrutinizing the intricate interplay between density, velocity, and pressure fluctuations in such flows and studying energy spectra in air and SF6. Employing a synergy of advanced experimental methodologies and theoretical analyses, this research endeavors to illuminate the intricacies of compressible turbulence, thereby laying the foundation for the formulation of precise models and predictive tools in this relatively uncharted domain. Ultimately, this work strives to enhance our grasp of turbulence's fundamental behaviors, fostering advancements in fields reliant on accurate fluid dynamics understanding.