Semi-convective layer formation

11th International Conference on Numerical Modeling of Space Plasma Flows

Zaussinger, F.^1 ; Kupka, F.^2 ; Egbers, Ch.^1 ; Neben, M.^1 ; Hücker, S.^1 ; Bahr, C.^1 ; Schmitt, M.^1

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Departement for Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Cottbus, Germany^1

Wolfgang Pauli Institute, C/o Faculty of Mathematics of the Univ. of Vienna, Vienna, Austria^2

关键词: Convective instabilities;    Convective mixing;    Double diffusive;    Double-diffusive convection;    Multicomponent fluid;    Parameter spaces;    Parameter studies;    Stability parameters;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/837/1/012012/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1742-6596/837/1/012012

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Semi-convective mixing, as an example of double-diffusive convection, is of general importance in multi-component fluid mixing processes. In astrophysics it occurs when the mean molecular weight gradient caused by a mixture of light material on top of heavier one counteracts the convective instability caused by a temperature gradient. Direct numerical simulations of double-diffusive fluid flows in a realistic stellar or planetary parameter space are currently non-feasible. Hence, a model describing incompressible semi-convection was developed, which allows to investigate semi-convective layer formation. A detailed parameter study with varying Rayleigh number and stability parameter has been performed for the giant planet case. We conclude that semi-convective layering may not play that important role as suggested in earlier works for the planetary case.