https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2012-20540-6
Regular Article
Rayleigh-Taylor instability in variable density swirling flows
IRPHE – UMR 6594, Technopole de Château-Gombert,
49 rue Joliot Curie,
B.P. 146, 13384
Marseille Cedex 13,
France
a e-mail: abid@irphe.univ-mrs.fr
Received:
5
July
2011
Received in final form:
13
January
2012
Published online:
15
February
2012
Using linear instability theory and nonlinear dynamics, the Rayleigh-Taylor instability of variable density swirling flows is studied. It is found that the flow topology could be predicted, when the instability sets in, using a function χ dependent on density and axial and azimuthal velocities. It is shown that even when the inner axial-flow is heavier than the outer one (a favorable case for the development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability thanks to the centrifugal force) the instability is not necessarily Rayleigh-Taylor-dominated. It is also shown that when the Rayleigh-Taylor instability develops, it is helical.
Key words: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag, 2012