A comparison of predictions and measurements of kinematic mixing of two fluids in a 2D enclosure

Buoyancy driven mixing of two fluids in a 2D closed cavity is simulated wit h a two-fluid model. The predictions are compared with a set of experimenta l data. The experiment involves how visualization of the mixing process and application of the image processing technique to determine the mixing char acteristics. The measurements and predictions include the interface evoluti on, interface elongation, and mixing width. Two Grashof numbers based on th e initial density gradient, Gr = 3.7 x 10(5), 3.7 x 10(3) and two valve spe eds, 0 and 5 cm/s are considered. The predictions are generally in good agr eement with the experimental data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All right s reserved.