Turbulent Mixing With Density Differences

Homogenization of initially segregated and stably stratified systems consisting of two miscible liquids with different density and the same kinematic viscosity in an agitated tank was studied computationally. Reynolds numbers were in the range of 3,000 to 12,000 so that it was possible to solve the flow equations without explicitly modeling turbulence. The Richardson number that characterizes buoyancy was varied between 0 and 1. The stratification clearly lengthens the homogenization process. Two flow regimes could be identified. At low Richardson numbers large, three-dimensional flow structures dominate mixing, as is the case in non-buoyant systems. At high Richardson numbers the interface between the two liquids largely stays intact. It rises due to turbulent erosion, gradually drawing down and mixing up the lighter liquid.