Self-similar solutions of the axisymmetric shallow-water equations governing converging inviscid gravity currents

2004 ◽  
Vol 506 ◽  
pp. 331-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANJA C. SLIM ◽  
HERBERT E. HUPPERT
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Shallow Water Equations ◽  
Gravity Currents ◽  
Self Similar ◽  
Similar Solutions

Converging gravity currents over a permeable substrate

2015 ◽  
Vol 778 ◽  
pp. 669-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong Zheng ◽  
Sangwoo Shin ◽  
Howard A. Stone
Keyword(s):  
Power Law ◽  
Gravity Current ◽  
Gravity Currents ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Front Position ◽  
Dependent Position ◽  
Self Similar ◽  
Vertical Leakage ◽  
Similar Solutions ◽  
Lock Gate

We study the propagation of viscous gravity currents along a thin permeable substrate where slow vertical drainage is allowed from the boundary. In particular, we report the effect of this vertical fluid drainage on the second-kind self-similar solutions for the shape of the fluid–fluid interface in three contexts: (i) viscous axisymmetric gravity currents converging towards the centre of a cylindrical container; (ii) viscous gravity currents moving towards the origin in a horizontal Hele-Shaw channel with a power-law varying gap thickness in the horizontal direction; and (iii) viscous gravity currents propagating towards the origin of a porous medium with horizontal permeability and porosity gradients in power-law forms. For each of these cases with vertical leakage, we identify a regime diagram that characterizes whether the front reaches the origin or not; in particular, when the front does not reach the origin, we calculate the final location of the front. We have also conducted laboratory experiments with a cylindrical lock gate to generate a converging viscous gravity current where vertical fluid drainage is allowed from various perforated horizontal substrates. The time-dependent position of the propagating front is captured from the experiments, and the front position is found to agree well with the theoretical and numerical predictions when surface tension effects can be neglected.

Self-similar viscous gravity currents: phase-plane formalism

1990 ◽  
Vol 210 ◽  
pp. 155-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio Gratton ◽  
Fernando Minotti
Keyword(s):  
Scaling Laws ◽  
Phase Plane ◽  
Gravity Current ◽  
Classical Problem ◽  
Gravity Currents ◽  
Steady Flows ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Integral Curves ◽  
Self Similar ◽  
Similar Solutions

A theoretical model for the spreading of viscous gravity currents over a rigid horizontal surface is derived, based on a lubrication theory approximation. The complete family of self-similar solutions of the governing equations is investigated by means of a phase-plane formalism developed in analogy to that of gas dynamics. The currents are represented by integral curves in the plane of two phase variables, Z and V, which are related to the depth and the average horizontal velocity of the fluid. Each integral curve corresponds to a certain self-similar viscous gravity current satisfying a particular set of initial and/or boundary conditions, and is obtained by solving a first-order ordinary differential equation of the form dV/dZ = f(Z, V), where f is a rational function. All conceivable self-similar currents can thus be obtained. A detailed analysis of the properties of the integral curves is presented, and asymptotic formulae describing the behaviour of the physical quantities near the singularities of the phase plane corresponding to sources, sinks, and current fronts are given. The derivation of self-similar solutions from the formalism is illustrated by several examples which include, in addition to the similarity flows studied by other authors, many other novel ones such as the extension to viscous flows of the classical problem of the breaking of a dam, the flows over plates with borders, as well as others. A self-similar solution of the second kind describing the axisymmetric collapse of a current towards the origin is obtained. The scaling laws for these flows are derived. Steady flows and progressive wave solutions are also studied and their connection to self-similar flows is discussed. The mathematical analogy between viscous gravity currents and other physical phenomena such as nonlinear heat conduction, nonlinear diffusion, and ground water motion is commented on.

The Influence of Boundaries on Gravity Currents and Thin Films: Drainage, Confinement, Convergence, and Deformation Effects

2022 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-56
Author(s):  
Zhong Zheng ◽  
Howard A. Stone
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Gravity Currents ◽  
Reduced Order Models ◽  
Reduced Order ◽  
Self Similar ◽  
Similar Solutions ◽  
Film Flows ◽  
Gravity Surface

Thin film flows, whether driven by gravity, surface tension, or the relaxation of elastic boundaries, occur in many natural and industrial processes. Applications span problems of oil and gas transport in channels to hydraulic fracture, subsurface propagation of pollutants, storage of supercritical CO2 in porous formations, and flow in elastic Hele–Shaw configurations and their relatives. We review the influence of boundaries on the dynamics of thin film flows, with a focus on gravity currents, including the effects of drainage into the substrate, and the role of the boundaries to confine the flow, force its convergence to a focus, or deform, and thus feedback to alter the flow. In particular, we highlight reduced-order models. In many cases, self-similar solutions can be determined and describe the behaviors in canonical problems at different timescales and length scales, including self-similar solutions of both the first and second kind. Additionally, the time transitions between different solutions are summarized. Where possible, remarks about various applications are provided.

scholarly journals Influence of heterogeneity on second-kind self-similar solutions for viscous gravity currents

2014 ◽  
Vol 747 ◽  
pp. 218-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong Zheng ◽  
Ivan C. Christov ◽  
Howard A. Stone
Keyword(s):  
Power Law ◽  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Gravity Currents ◽  
Similar Solution ◽  
Phase Plane Analysis ◽  
Plane Analysis ◽  
Self Similar Solution ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Self Similar ◽  
Similar Solutions

AbstractWe report experimental, theoretical and numerical results on the effects of horizontal heterogeneities on the propagation of viscous gravity currents. We use two geometries to highlight these effects: (a) a horizontal channel (or crack) whose gap thickness varies as a power-law function of the streamwise coordinate; (b) a heterogeneous porous medium whose permeability and porosity have power-law variations. We demonstrate that two types of self-similar behaviours emerge as a result of horizontal heterogeneity: (a) a first-kind self-similar solution is found using dimensional analysis (scaling) for viscous gravity currents that propagate away from the origin (a point of zero permeability); (b) a second-kind self-similar solution is found using a phase-plane analysis for viscous gravity currents that propagate toward the origin. These theoretical predictions, obtained using the ideas of self-similar intermediate asymptotics, are compared with experimental results and numerical solutions of the governing partial differential equation developed under the lubrication approximation. All three results are found to be in good agreement.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document