Generation of nearly isotropic turbulence using two oscillating grids

Isotropic turbulence has unique properties and is impracticable to realize experimentally. Past experiments in this context have been performed by passing a uniform mean flow through a grid, which yields approximately isotropic decaying turbulence. Here an alternative approach of obtaining approximately isotropic stationary turbulence is described, which utilizes two monoplanar grids oscillating in a homogeneous fluid. It was found that the central region between the grids has certain properties similar to that of isotropic turbulence.The funding for the particle dispersion studies at Arizona State University (ASU) is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Exploratory Research). The stratified and rotating flow research at ASU is funded by the Office of Naval Research and the National Science Foundation.