Numerical simulations of Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of [formula omitted] square bubble in diatomic and polyatomic gases

Abstract

The Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of a shock-driven SF6 square bubble in monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic gases is investigated numerically. The focus was placed on presenting more intuitive details of the flow-fields visualizations, vorticity production, degree of thermal non-equilibrium, enstrophy and dissipation rate evolutions, and interface structures. A mixed-type modal discontinuous Galerkin method is employed for solving the two-dimensional system of physical conservation laws derived from the Boltzmann–Curtiss kinetic equation of diatomic and polyatomic gases. For validation, the numerical results were compared with the existing experimental results. The results revealed that diatomic and polyatomic gases provoke considerable changes in the flow-fields, resulting in complex wave patterns, bubble deformation, and outward SF6 jets formation in contrast to monatomic gas. A detailed investigation on the effects of diatomic and polyatomic gases is carried out through the vorticity production, degree of nonequilibrium, and evolution of enstrophy as well as dissipation rate. Moreover, the length and height of the interface structures are investigated quantitatively. Finally, the effects of thermal non-equilibrium parameters, such as inverse power-law index and bulk viscosity ratio are examined. The present work attempts to enhance the understanding of the RM instability studies in monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic gases.