Consistency and uniqueness questions raised by both the 1941 and 1962 Kolmogorov inertial-range theories are examined. The 1941 theory, although unlikely from the viewpoint of vortex-stretching physics, is not ruled out just because the dissipation fluctuates; but self-consistency requires that dissipation fluctuations be confined to dissipation-range scales by a spacewise mixing mechanism. The basic idea of the 1962 theory is a self-similar cascade mechanism which produces systematically increasing intermittency with a decrease of scale size. This concept in itself requires neither the third Kolmogorov hypothesis (log-normality of locally averaged dissipation) nor the first hypothesis (universality of small-scale statistics as functions of scale-size ratios and locally averaged dissipation). It does not even imply that the inertial range exhibits power laws. A central role for dissipation seems arbitrary since conservation alone yields no simple relation between the local dissipation rate and the corresponding proper inertial-range quantity: the local rate of energy transfer. A model rate equation for the evolution of probability densities is used to illustrate that even scalar nonlinear cascade processes need not yield asymptotic log-normality. The approximate experimental support for Kolmogorov's hypothesis takes on added significance in view of the wide variety of a priori admissible alternatives.

If the Kolmogorov law $E(k) \propto k^{-\frac{5}{3}-\mu}$ is asymptotically valid, it is argued that the value of μ depends on the details of the nonlinear interaction embodied in the Navier–Stokes equation and cannot be deduced from overall symmetries, invariances and dimensionality. A dynamical equation is exhibited which has the same essential invariances, symmetries, dimensionality and equilibrium statistical ensembles as the Navier–Stokes equation but which has radically different inertial-range behaviour.