Double Diffusive Convection in a Stratified Fluid Layer Induced by Thermal and Solutal Capillary Motion

C. L. Chan, C. F. Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Salt-finger convection in a double-diffusive system is a motion caused by the release of gravitational potential due to differential diffusion rates. The normal expectation is that, when gravitational field is reduced, salt-finger convection together with other convective motions driven by buoyancy forces will be rapidly suppressed. However, because the destabilizing effect of the concentration gradient is amplified by the Lewis number, with values varying from 102 for aqueous salt solutions to 104 for liquid metals, salt-finger convection may be generated at much reduced gravity levels. In the microgravity environment, the surface tension gradient assumes a dominant role in causing fluid motion. In this paper, we report experimental and numerical results showing the generation of salt-finger convection due to capillary motion on the surface of a stratified fluid layer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMicroelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pages273-281
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9780791818435
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997
EventASME 1997 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 1997 - Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) - Dallas, United States
Duration: Nov 16 1997Nov 21 1997

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume1997-X

Conference

ConferenceASME 1997 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 1997 - Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDallas
Period11/16/9711/21/97

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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