Numerical Model for Mixed Region Collapse in a Stratified Fluid

Abstract

The collapse of a homogeneous fluid mass immersed in a stably stratified fluid is studied numerically. A finite difference formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations in the primitive variables is solved in a large box several times the size of the mixed region. The formulation conserves total energy in the box in the special case where the viscosity is zero. The shape of the homogeneous region and its energy content are followed in detail. Confirming a previous speculation made from a crude analytical theory, most of the energy in the homogeneous fluid mass is shown to be transferred to the exterior fluid in one Brunt-Vaisala period. The predictions agree with available analytical models in initial and intermediate stages and with a previous tank experiment in the intermediate and late stages of collapse.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0763657

Entities

People

  • A. C. Warn-varnas
  • J. P. Dugan
  • S. A. Placsek

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Computational Science
  • Computations
  • Difference Equations
  • Energy
  • Energy Transfer
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Navier Stokes Equations
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Potential Energy
  • Shape
  • Stratified Fluids
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)