Abstract: By large eddy simulation (LES),turbulent databases of channel flows at different Reynolds numbers were established. Then, the probability distribution functions of the streamwise and wall-normal velocity fluctuations were obtained and compared with the corresponding normal distributions. By hypothesis test, the deviation from the normal distribution was analyzed quantitatively.The skewness and flatness factors were also calculated. And the variations of these two factors in the viscous sub-layer, buffer layer and log-law layer were discussed. Still illustrated were the relations between the probability distribution functions and the burst events—sweep of high-speed fluids and ejection of low-speed fluids—in the viscous sub-layer, buffer layer and log-law layer. Finally the variations of the probability distribution functions with Reynolds number were examined.

Key words: near-wall turbulence, skewness, flatness, large eddy simulation, velocity fluctuation, probability distribution function