Open AccessThe supply of energy from and to atmospheric eddies
Author(s) -
Lewis F. Richardson
Publication year - 1920
Publication title -
proceedings of the royal society of london. series a, containing papers of a mathematical and physical character
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2053-9150
pISSN - 0950-1207
DOI - 10.1098/rspa.1920.0039
Subject(s) - eddy , simplicity , work (physics) , turbulence , atmosphere (unit) , thermodynamics , energy (signal processing) , meteorology , mechanics , physics , computer science , quantum mechanics
This paper extends Osborne Reynold’s theory of the Criterion of Turbulence, to make it apply to the case in which work is done by the eddies, acting as thermodynamic engines in a gravitating atmosphere. For simplicity, the air is supposed to be dry. The gist of the solution is contained in equations (4·15) and (5·3) below. Some analogies to thermodynamics are then introduced, including the conception of an eddy-heat-per-mass, and its diminution when the air expands. These conceptions are helpful in discussing the manner in which eddies diffuse. I am indebted to Mr. W. H. Dines, F. R. S., for his valuable advice at many stages of this work.