The non-Boussinesq lock-exchange problem. Part 1. Theory and experiments

The results of an experimental study of the non-Boussinesq lock-exchange problem are described. The experiments were performed in a rectangular channel using water and either a sodium iodide solution or a sodium chloride solution as the two fluids. These combinations of fluids have density ratios (l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of fluid mechanics 2005-08, Vol.537 (1), p.101-124
Main Authors: LOWE, RYAN J., ROTTMAN, JAMES W., LINDEN, P. F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Geophysics. Techniques, methods, instrumentation and models
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Summary:The results of an experimental study of the non-Boussinesq lock-exchange problem are described. The experiments were performed in a rectangular channel using water and either a sodium iodide solution or a sodium chloride solution as the two fluids. These combinations of fluids have density ratios (light over heavy density) in the range 0.61 to 1. A two-layer hydraulic theory is developed to model the experiments. The theory assumes that a light gravity current propagates in one direction along the top of the channel and a heavy gravity current propagates in the opposite direction along the bottom of the channel. The two currents are assumed to be connected by either a combination of an internal bore and an expansion wave, or just an expansion wave. The present results, previous experimental results and two-dimensional numerical simulations from a companion paper are compared with the theory. The results of the comparison lead to the conclusion that the theory without the internal bore is the most appropriate.
ISSN:0022-1120
1469-7645
DOI:10.1017/S0022112005005069