Evolution of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability in the mixing zone between gases of different densities in a field of variable acceleration

Abstract

The interaction of the mixing zone between two gases of different densities with compression waves and shock waves has been investigated. The characteristics of the mixing zone in which the Rayleigh–Taylor instability is developing have been analyzed. The evolution of the mixing zone volume and mass during the accelerated motion has been defined. A qualitative distinction in the evolution of the mixing zone under the influence of a continuous deceleration resulting from the interaction with the reflected compression wave—shockless deceleration—is revealed as compared to deceleration that is accompanied by appearance of a shock wave moving through the mixing zone—shock-induced deceleration.