A Lagrangian approach to the interface velocity of turbulent puffs in pipe flow

Turbulent puffs in pipe flow are characterized by a sharp laminar-turbulent interface at the trailing edge and a more diffused leading interface. It is known that these laminar-turbulent interfaces propagate at a speed that is approximately equal to the flow rate. Our results from direct numerical simulation show that, locally, the interface velocity relative to the fluid (i) counteracts the advection due to the laminar velocity profile so that the puff can preserve its characteristic overall shape, (ii) is very small in magnitude, but involves a large interface area so that the global propagation velocity relative to the mean flow can be large and (iii) is determined by both inertial and viscous effects. The analysis provides some new insights into the mechanisms that sustain or expand localized turbulence and might be relevant for the design of new control strategies.