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Fully 3D Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a Boussinesq fluid
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 10:19 authored by Stephen WaltersStephen Walters, Lawrence ForbesLawrence ForbesRayleigh–Taylor instability occurs when a heavier fluid overlies a lighter fluid, and the two seek to exchange positions under the effect of gravity. We present a linearized theory for arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) initial disturbances that grow in time, and calculate the evolution of the interface for early times. A new spectral method is introduced for the fully 3D nonlinear problem in a Boussinesq fluid, where the interface between the light and heavy fluids is approximated with a smooth but rapid density change in the fluid. The results of large-scale numerical calculation are presented in fully 3D geometry, and compared and contrasted with the early-time linearized theory.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
ANZIAM JournalVolume
61Pagination
286-304ISSN
1446-1811Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Australian Mathematics Publ Assoc IncPlace of publication
Mathematics Dept Australian National Univ, Canberra, Australia, Act, 0200Rights statement
Copyright 2019 Australian Mathematical SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted