Abstract
Abstract
Highlights
Density-driven, predominantly horizontal flows in the form of gravity currents play a central role in a host of natural processes, as well as in numerous engineering applications 916 A30-1R
We have explored the removal of a dense fluid layer above a horizontal bottom wall by a lock-release gravity current, via 2-D Navier–Stokes simulations in the Boussinesq limit
As the two dominant dimensionless quantities governing this problem, we identify a thickness parameter for the dense bottom layer, and the density ratio given by the differences between the densities of the bottom layer, the gravity current and the ambient fluid
Summary
Density-driven, predominantly horizontal flows in the form of gravity currents play a central role in a host of natural processes, as well as in numerous engineering applications. We note that the situation sketched in figure 1 differs in several key aspects from the one in which all of the fluid initially to the left of the gate is of the same intermediate density, so that a dense bottom layer exists only to the right of the gate This set-up has been explored in some detail, going back to the early experimental investigations by Holyer & Huppert (1980) and Britter & Simpson (1981), and it can exhibit interesting symmetry properties. By its very nature, the configuration sketched in figure 1 with a dense fluid layer to the left of the gate cannot give rise to corresponding geometric or dynamical flow symmetries, since it does not produce a left-propagating countercurrent along the bottom wall It represents an interesting subject of exploration in its own right.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
