Density stratified environments: the double-tank method |
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Authors: | M Economidou G R Hunt |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK |
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Abstract: | We present an alternative method of producing density stratifications in the laboratory based on the ‘double-tank’ method
proposed by Oster (Sci Am 213:70–76, 1965). We refer to Oster’s method as the ‘forced-drain’ approach, as the volume flow rates between connecting tanks are controlled
by mechanical pumps. We first determine the range of density profiles that may be established with the forced-drain approach
other than the linear stratification predicted by Oster. The dimensionless density stratification is expressed analytically
as a function of three ratios: the volume flow rate ratio n, the ratio of the initial liquid volumes λ and the ratio of the initial densities ψ. We then propose a method which does
not require pumps to control the volume flow rates but instead allows the connecting tanks to drain freely under gravity.
This is referred to as the ‘free-drain’ approach. We derive an expression for the density stratification produced and compare
our predictions with saline stratifications established in the laboratory using the ‘free-drain’ extension of Oster’s method.
To assist in the practical application of our results we plot the region of parameter space that yield concave/convex or linear
density profiles for both forced-drain and free-drain approaches. The free-drain approach allows the experimentalist to produce
a broad range of density profiles by varying the initial liquid depths, cross-sectional and drain opening areas of the tanks.
One advantage over the original Oster approach is that density profiles with an inflexion point can now be established.
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