Effects of initial conditions on Rayleigh-Taylor mixing development /

) of 0.7, while self-similarity is characterized by a

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Leicht, Keith Allen, 1971-
Format: Thesis eBook
Language:English
Published: [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified] ; 1997.
Subjects:
Online Access:Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Summary:) of 0.7, while self-similarity is characterized by a
a corresponding amplitude. For the single perturbation
an initial disturbance on the development of Rayleigh-Taylor
channel walls. The small wavelength single perturbation
comprises only one wavelength and amplitude, and a binary
determine the growth of the mixing layer. In the large
early stages.
experiment. The mixing process was studied using dye in one
experiments grew linearly until approximately 4 to 6
experiments, a large wavelength (4 cm) perturbation and a
exponential turnover times downstream, where they then began
fluids travel with the same free stream velocity so that no
fluids, either a single or a binary perturbation was
found to suppress the growth of the large wavelength in the
grew linearly until the growth was impeded by the flow
growth is characterized by a saturation growth constant (C []
introduced a combination of these two wavelengths in a single
introduced via an oscillating flapper. A single perturbation
mixing. The experimental apparatus is a flow channel in
of the fluids, and photographing the mixture. The
perturbation experiments, it was found that the small
perturbation is one that comprises two wavelengths, each with
photographs were then digitized and ensemble averaged to
quadratic growth constant [ ]of 0.07. For the binary
separate experiments. The binary perturbation experiments
shear is present, thus buoyancy drives the mixing between the
small wavelength (2 cm) perturbation were introduced in
small wavelength when imposed upon the large wavelength was
This thesis describes an experimental study of the effect of
to grow nonlinearly and approach self-similarity. Linear
two fluids. At the unstable interface between the two
wavelength dominates the growth of the mixing layer. This
wavelength single perturbation experiments the mixing layer
which a heavy fluid is placed above a light fluid. Both
Item Description:"Major subject: Mechanical Engineering".
Vita.
Physical Description:xx, 193 leaves : illustrations ; 28cm.
Also available online.
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.