Theoretical Prediction of Mixing Efficiency in Stratified Shear Exchange Flows
Abstract: Mixing efficiency in
stratified shear exchange flows between two reservoirs of water of differing
densities is analytically investigated in detail in the light of a two-layer
flow. The theoretical prediction of mixing efficiency is presented here in terms
of a scaling analysis developed for such flows. The prediction is compared with
that derived from measurements of normalised density profiles. The predicted
mixing efficiency is found to be 0.125, independent of flow conditions and external
parameters used. This value is approximately the same as 0.12, obtained from
the averaged density profiles, and is close to a half of 0.2, the widely
proposed value for the average efficiency in the oceans that is frequently assumed
in general ocean circulation modeling.
Author: Tjipto Prastowo
Journal Code: jpfisikagg090003
