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The formation of spikes in the displacement of miscible fluidsWe report on experiments in which a more viscous fluid displaces a less viscous one in a vertical cylindrical tube. These experiments were performed using silicone oils in a vertical pipette of small diameter. The more viscous fluid also had a slightly larger density than the less viscous fluid. In the initial configuration, the fluids were at rest, and the interface was nominally flat. A dye was added to the more viscous fluid for ease of observation of the interface between the fluids. The flow was initiated by pumping the more viscous fluid into the less viscous one. The displacement velocity was such that the Reynolds number was smaller than unity and the Peclet number for mass transfer between the fluids was large compared to unity. For upward displacement of the more viscous fluid from an initially stable configuration, an axisymmetric finger was observed under all conditions. However, a needle-shaped spike was seen to propagate from the main finger in many cases, similar to that observed by Petitjeans and Maxworthy for the displacement of a more viscous fluid by a less viscous one.
Document ID
20050148145
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Rashidnia, N.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Balasubramaniam, R.
Schroer, R. T.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume: 1027
ISSN: 0077-8923
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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