The coupling between turbulent, penetrative convection and internal waves

Experiments aimed at exploring the coupling of penetrative convection with internal waves in the adjoining, stable layer were performed in a long convection cell. The experiments are motivated by preliminary theoretical results suggesting that an intrinsic phase instability may exist in the coupled...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of mechanics, B, Fluids B, Fluids, 2002, Vol.21 (1), p.1-28
Main Authors: Michaelian, M.E, Maxworthy, T, Redekopp, L.G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boundary conditions
Earth, ocean, space
Energy transfer
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Frequencies
Heat convection
Heat flux
Heating
Interfaces (materials)
Internal waves
Meteorology
Other topics in atmospheric geophysics
Penetrative convection
Temperature control
Temperature measurement
Turbulent flow
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Summary:Experiments aimed at exploring the coupling of penetrative convection with internal waves in the adjoining, stable layer were performed in a long convection cell. The experiments are motivated by preliminary theoretical results suggesting that an intrinsic phase instability may exist in the coupled system in which case long internal waves modulate the height and strength of convective plumes. Using a temperature-controlled, stably stratified experimental apparatus, measured temperature data reveal the presence of long internal wave modes that persist for many convective time scales. The frequencies of these waves increase linearly in time during the energy transfer between the convective and stratified regions as the depth of the stratified region diminishes and the depth of the mixed layer increases. Temporal variations in the heat flux, interface rise characteristics, and frequencies of internal wave motions are reported. A natural temporal modulation of the thickness of the transition layer separating the mixed layer from the stratified layer occurs following commencement of heating, with the amplitude and frequency of the modulation varying with the initial stratification. Temperature variance data suggest that a fairly strong interaction between convection and internal waves occurs, especially when the interface region is midway between the upper and lower boundaries of the cell and the no-slip boundary conditions play a less influential role on the dynamics of the coupling.
ISSN:0997-7546
1873-7390
DOI:10.1016/S0997-7546(01)01158-X