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Single-mode theory of diffusive layers in thermohaline convectionA two-layer configuration of thermohaline convection is studied, with the principal aim of explaining the observed independence of the buoyancy-flux ratio on the stability parameter when the latter is large. Temperature is destabilizing and salinity is stabilizing, so diffusive interfaces separate the convecting layers. The convection is treated in the single-mode approximation, with a prescribed horizontal planform and wavenumber. Surveys of numerical solutions are presented for a selection of Rayleigh numbers R, stability parameters lambda and horizontal wavenumbers. The solutions yield a buoyancy flux ratio chi that is insensitive to lambda, in accord with laboratory experiments. However chi increases with increasing R, in contradiction to laboratory observations.
Document ID
19830047537
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Gough, D. O.
(Cambridge University Cambridge, United Kingdom)
Toomre, J.
(Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics; Colorado, University Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Volume: 125
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Heat Transfer
Accession Number
83A28755
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7511
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF DES-74-14439
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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