on the October 14, 2025
Séminaire: 15h15
Exploring turbulent systems experimentally: From statistical equilibrium to wave localization and Kelvin waves
Abstract:
Bridging nonequilibrium dynamics with concepts from statistical physics remains a central challenge in hydrodynamic turbulence and wave turbulence. In this talk, I will experimentally demonstrate that large scales (i.e., scales larger than the forcing scale) in both three-dimensional hydrodynamic turbulence and hydroelastic wave turbulence reach a statistical equilibrium regime, enabling the application of statistical mechanics tools, such as thermodynamic quantities [1,2]. Then, we will experimentally investigate wave propagation in disordered environments, demonstrating that nonlinearity enhances Anderson localization, a disorder-induced multiple-scattering phenomenon [3,4]. Finally, we will report the first direct experimental measurement of the dispersion relation of Kelvin waves along a vortex, which has remained challenging to access in turbulent flows or in quantum turbulence so far [5]. These results illustrate how statistical equilibrium, disorder, and nonlinear wave interactions shape the dynamics of turbulent systems.
[1] J.-B. Gorce, E. Falcon, Statistical Equilibrium of Large Scales in Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Turbulence, Physical Review Letters 129, 054501 (2022)
[2] M. Vernet, E. Falcon, Thermodynamics and Statistical Equilibrium of Large-Scale Hydroelastic Wave Turbulence, Physical Review Letters 135, 024004 (2025)
[3] G. Ricard, F. Novkoski, E. Falcon, Effects of Nonlinearity on Anderson Localization of Surface Gravity Waves, Nature Communications 15, 5726 (2024)
[4] G. Ricard, E. Falcon, Soliton Dynamics over a Disordered Topography, Physical Review Letters 133, 264002 (2024)
[5] J. Barckicke, E. Falcon, C. Gissinger, Experimental evidence of Kelvin wave propagation along vortex cores, Under review in Nature Physics (2025)
