Mixing of a two-layer density-stratified fluid by two vortex rings successively launched toward the density interface

Abstract

In this study, two vortex rings composed of upper fluid were continuously ejected vertically downward toward the interface of the two-layer density-stratified fluid. The motion of the vortex rings and behavior of the lower layer fluid were investigated via visualization experiment, and the effect of time interval between the injections of the two vortex rings on the mixing of the density-stratified fluid was investigated. The first emitted vortex ring (VRA) advected vertically downward in the upper layer, passed through the density interface, and then advected in the lower layer. After VRA reached the maximum depth in the lower layer, the upper part of the fluid mass ejected into the upper layer due to buoyancy. The lower fluid was entrained in the upper layer. Subsequently, a new vortex ring (VRC) was generated by the fluid mass ejected in the upper layer and advected vertically upward in the upper layer. The second vortex ring emitted (VRB) collided with the tip of the fluid mass of the VRA ejected from the lower layer. Subsequently, it slightly penetrated the lower layer, rolled up the lower layer fluid into the upper layer, and coalesced with VRC to collapse. In the process of vortex merging, the mixing of the upper and lower layers reached a maximum when the VRA reached the maximum depth. Furthermore, it was clarified that the mixing ability of the upper and lower layers depends on the ejection time interval of the two vortex rings.