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How velocity alignments reflect Lagrangian irreversibility in turbulence

Ron Shnapp*

  • *Contact author: ronshnapp@bgu.ac.il
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Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, L082601 – Published 15 August, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/lp72-kb7n

Abstract

Lagrangian particles in turbulence separate away from each other faster in the backward in time direction as compared to forward in time. This work shows that this time asymmetry can be explained on the grounds of kinematics: when viewed backward in time, the particles' relative velocities are more aligned with the separation vector as compared to when viewed forward in time. This makes the separation process backward in time more efficient, leading to the observed time asymmetry.

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References (43)

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Phys. Rev. Fluids 10, L082601– Published 15 August, 2025
  • Received 4 April 2025
  • Accepted 24 July 2025
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