Double-diffusive lock-exchange gravity currents

Abstract

Double-diffusive lock-exchange gravity currents in the fingering regime are explored via two- and three-dimensional Navier–Stokes simulations in the Boussinesq limit. Even at modest Reynolds numbers, for which single-diffusive gravity currents remain laminar, double-diffusive currents are seen to give rise to pronounced small-scale fingering convection. The front velocity of these currents exhibits a non-monotonic dependence on the diffusivity ratio and the initial stability ratio. Strongly double-diffusive currents lose both heat and salinity more quickly than weakly double-diffusive ones, and they lose salinity more quickly than heat, so that the density difference driving them increases. This differential loss of heat and salinity furthermore results in the emergence of strong local density maxima and minima along the top and bottom walls in the gate region, which in turn promote the formation of secondary, counterflowing currents along the walls. These secondary currents cause the flow to develop a three-layer structure. The late stages of the flow are dominated by currents flowing oppositely to the original ones. Three-dimensional simulation results are consistent with the trends observed in a two-dimensional parametric study. A detailed analysis of the energy budget demonstrates that strongly double-diffusive currents can release several times their initially available potential energy, and convert large amounts of internal energy into mechanical energy via scalar diffusion. Scaling arguments based on the simulation results suggest that even low Reynolds number double-diffusive gravity currents are governed by a balance of buoyancy and turbulent drag.