A molecular dynamics simulation of planar Couette flow is presented for the minimal
channel in which turbulence structures can be sustained. Evolution over a single break-
down and regeneration cycle is compared to computational fluid dynamics simula-
tions. Qualitative similar structures are observed and turbulent statistics show excellent
quantitative agreement. The molecular scale law of the wall is presented in which
stick-slip molecular wall-fluid interactions replace the no-slip conditions. The impact
of grid resolution is explored and the observed structures are seen to be dependent
on averaging time and length scales. The kinetic energy spectra show that a range of
scales are present in the molecular system and that spectral content is dependent on
the grid resolution employed. The subgrid velocity of the molecules is studied using
joint probability density functions, molecular trajectories, di
ff
usion, and Lagrangian
statistics. The importance of sub-grid scales, relevance of the Kolmogorov lengthscale,
and implications of molecular turbulence are discussed.