Anqing Xuan defends PhD: Simulation and Theoretical Modeling of Interactions between Waves and Turbulence in Langmuir Circulation

Ph.D candidate Anqing Xuan successfully defended his Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering on June 3rd, 2020. He is advised by Lian Shen, director of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and professor in the Department of Mechanical Engienering at the University of Minnesota. 

Congratulations Dr. Xuan!

Simulation and Theoretical Modeling of Interactions between Waves and Turbulence in Langmuir Circulation
Anqing Xuan, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering
Advisor: Lian Shen

Committee: Ellen Longmire (AEM), Jiarong Hong (ME), Michele Guala (CEGE)

The Langmuir circulation arising from the turbulence interacting with the surface waves can significantly change the transport and mixing in the surface layer of the ocean and lakes. In the present work, we use the wave-phase-resolved large-eddy simulation (LES) to study the wave-turbulence interaction processes. The detailed wave-phase modulation of the vortex structures and Reynolds stresses in Langmuir circulation is analysed. Our findings indicate that the fast turbulent fluctuations around the wave frequency are important to the wave-turbulence interaction.