= Fixed-energy turbulent mixed layer
{title2=$u^2h=A\Omega^2R^3$}
In a slowly deepening mixed layer driven by a rotating boundary, a phenomenological balance between energy input, turbulent loss and acceleration of entrained fluid can keep total <kinetic energy> approximately fixed. For a tank of radius $R$ this gives $u^2h=A\Omega^2R^3$, so velocity decreases as $h^{-1/2}$. The closure does not make the speed constant and is an additional physical assumption rather than a direct consequence of <mass conservation>.
Back to article page