Stochastic solutions of Navier-Stokes equations: an experimental evidence

Chaos. 2010 Dec;20(4):043107. doi: 10.1063/1.3495962.

Abstract

An electrodynamic loudspeaker has been operated in anharmonic regime indicated by the nonlinear ordinary differential equation when spring constant γ in restoring term, as well as, viscoelasticity of the membrane material, increases with displacement. For driving currents in the range of 2.8-3.3 A, doubling of the vibration period appears, while for currents in the range of 3.3-3.6 A, multiple sequences of subharmonic vibrations begin with f/4 and 3f/4. An application of currents higher than 3.6 A results in a spectrum, characteristic for the chaotic state. The loudspeaker was then operated in a closed chamber, and subharmonic vibrations disappeared by an evacuation. Subsequent injection of air revoked them again at ∼ 120 mbar (Re(')=476) when air viscous forces dominate the Morse convection. At 430 mbar (Re=538) single vibration state was restored, and the phenomenon is in an agreement with prediction of the five mode truncation procedure applied to the Navier-Stokes equations describing a two-dimensional incompressible fluid.