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Computational parametric study of a Richtmyer-Meshkov instability for an inclined interface
Jacob A McFarland1, Jeffrey A Greenough, Devesh Ranjan
1Texas A&M University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 3123 TAMU College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|September 21, 2011
Summary
This study computationally investigates the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in inclined interfaces, revealing key parameters influencing mixing width. A new scaling model effectively predicts initial mixing growth rates, improving upon existing methods.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Computational Physics
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- The Richtmyer-Meshkov instability is crucial for understanding mixing in various high-energy-density physics applications.
- Previous models often simplify interface geometry and shock wave interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To computationally investigate the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability for an inclined interface.
- To analyze the parametric effects of shock wave Mach number, inclination angle, and Atwood number on instability evolution.
- To develop and validate a new scaling method for interface mixing width.
Main Methods:
- A computational study using a parametric approach with 15 unique parameter combinations.
- Analysis of time-series density plots, pressure, density, and vorticity fields.
- Development of a mixing width scaling model based on interface geometry and calculated wave velocities.
Main Results:
- Identified two main flow regions: a vortical mixing region and a homogeneous unmixed fluid region.
- Quantified the interface mixing width for various parameter combinations.
- Proposed a novel scaling method using transmitted wave velocity and reflected wave travel time.
Conclusions:
- The proposed scaling method more effectively scales the initial mixing width growth rate compared to the adapted Richtmyer impulsive model, especially for fixed Atwood numbers.
- The study provides insights into the complex dynamics of inclined Richtmyer-Meshkov instability.
- Animations of flow fields supplement the qualitative analysis of parametric effects.
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