Analyzing mixing in periodic flows by distribution matrices: Mapping method

A novel mapping method presented analyzes the long-term efficiency of distr ibutive mixing in Stokes flows. It uses the results of an accurate front tr acking technique to calculate a distribution or mapping matrix For the firs t time, it is possible to efficiently investigate the influence of geometri c configurations and operating conditions on overall mixing quality. The te chnique was tested using the mixing dynamics of a model time periodic proto type flow; namely Stokes flow in a 2-D, lid-driven cavity. The method howev er; can also be extended to examine more realistic spatially periodic flows such as static mixers or twin screw extruders.