Local Similarity Theory as the Invariant Solution of the Governing Equations

Abstract

The present paper shows that local similarity theories, proposed for the strongly-stratified boundary layers, can be derived as invariant solutions defined under the Lie-group theory. A system truncated to the mean momentum and buoyancy equations is considered for this purpose. The study further suggests how similarity functions for the mean profiles are determined from the vertical fluxes, with a potential dependence on a measure of the anisotropy of the system. A time scale that is likely to characterize the transiency of a system is also identified as a non-dimensionalization factor.