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Published on: March 5, 2014
Nonlinear evolution of an interface in the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability
Chihiro Matsuoka1, Katsunobu Nishihara, Yuko Fukuda
1Department of Physics, Ehime University, 2-5, Bunkyocho, Matsuyama, Japan. matsuoka@phys.sci.ehime-u.ac.jp
Summary
The Richtmyer-Meshkov instability
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Plasma physics
- Instability phenomena
Background:
- The linear theory of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability attributes it to velocity shear from rippled shocks.
- Previous models did not fully capture nonlinear effects at a corrugated interface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nonlinear evolution of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability.
- To analyze the self-interaction of a nonuniform vortex sheet with a density jump.
Main Methods:
- Developed a nonlinear theory for interface evolution.
- Utilized Lagrangian markers to track interface deformation.
- Analyzed vorticity dynamics and interface stretching/shrinking.
Main Results:
- Finite density jumps and corrugation amplitudes significantly impact instability.
- Vorticity is not conserved in the nonlinear regime, leading to spiral spike structures.
- Nonlinear growth depends on initial corrugation, Atwood number, and shock intensity.
Conclusions:
- The developed nonlinear theory accurately predicts instability evolution.
- Results align with experimental observations.
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of nonlinear Richtmyer-Meshkov instability dynamics.
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