Chaos and Fluid Mixing


Multiscale problems define the cliffs to be scaled for the science of our times. Chaotic fluid mixing, as a special case, illustrates the general features of such problems. Mixing and multiphase flow are dominant phenomena for flow in porous media, pipeline transport of mixtures, atmospheric climate models, and inertial confinement fusion, among other topics. Basic methods to study chaotic fluid mixing reach across the length and time scales; these methods include analytic studies, direct numerical simulation, moment expansions, averaged equations and closure, and simple phenomenological models. In this presentation, we will develop a general approach and set of methods for the solution of multiphase problems. These methods will be illustrated through recent work of the author and collaborators. High resolution simulation methods (Front Tracking) prevent diffusion across an interface and allow detailed late time direct numerical simulation in agreement with experiment. But even visions of teraflops will not suffice, and progress with modeling or averaged equations will also be discussed. As usual, closure, physical consistency, and validation are the major issues for modeled equations.

Slides of the Presentation

Top of Page