A direct numerical simulation approach to the study of intrusion fronts (Q1392602)

We describe a direct numerical simulation approach for the study of gravity currents in a plane channel. The numerical method employed is based on a mixed spectral/spectral-element discretization in space together with finite differences in time. For the validation of the code, simulations of Rayleigh-Bénard convection are performed, and the results are compared with theoretical predictions and reference data from the literature. The dynamics of gravity currents is then studied by simulations of two-dimensional lock-exchange flow. The results obtained in these simulations are in good agreement with recent experimental data. By a systematic variation of the Grashof number, the influence of viscous diffusion on the characteristics of the propagating fronts is assessed.