Nonlinear Dynamics and Turbulence

Vladimir Kolmogorov

Björn Hof and his research group investigate how complex chaotic dynamics develop in nonlinear systems. Fluid turbulence is probably the most common and at the same time most relevant example of spatio-temporal disorder in nature. Despite its ubiquity, insights into this phenomenon are very limited. While the majority of turbulence research is concerned with statistical properties at very high velocities, our approach is to investigate turbulence when it first arises from laminar motion. We combine detailed laboratory experiments with highly resolved computer simulations and apply methods from nonlinear dynamics and statistical physics. Doing so enables us to decipher key aspects of the transition scenario and identify universal features shared with out of equilibrium systems in many other areas of physics. In some cases the new insights obtained can be directly applied to control turbulent flows and we actively develop such methods. Overall we hope that our approach will eventually lead to a more fundamental understanding of the nature of turbulence, going beyond a purely statistical view.

Further projects currently investigated in our group are concerned with complex fluids such as polymer solutions, surfactants and bacterial suspensions. While at low concentrations the dynamics are similar to those of ordinary fluids, after a certain threshold the dynamics often change abruptly giving rise to unexpected phenomena.

Contact
Björn Hof
bhof@remove-this.gwdg.de

CV

Publication List

Björn Hof will move to IST Austria in May 2013.

Assistant
Johannes Dollinger
Phone: +43 (0)2243 9000-1096
E-mail: johannes.dollinger@remove-this.ist.ac.at

Team

  • Philipp Maier, Technician

Selected Publications

  • B. Hof, A. de Lozar, M. Avila, X. Tu, T.M. Schneider. Eliminating turbulence in spatially intermittent flows. Science 327, 1491-1494.
  • B. Hof, A. de Lozar, D.J. Kuik, J. Westerweel. Repellor  or attractor?  Selecting the dynamical model for the onset of turbulence in pipe flow. Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 214501.
  • B. Hof, J. Westerweel, T.M. Schneider, B. Eckhardt. Finite  lifetime of turbulence in pipe flow. Nature 443, 05089, 59-62.

Career

2007-2013 Leader of research group, MPI for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Germany
2005-2007 Lecturer, University of Manchester, UK
2003-2005 Research Associate, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
2001 PhD, University of Manchester, UK
1997 MSc, University of Manchester, UK

Selected Distinctions

2012 ERC Consolidator Grant
2011 Dr. Meyer Struckmann Science Price
2005 RCUK Fellowship

To top