A linear stability analysis for miscible displacements

A linear stability analysis has been performed for a miscible displacement in a semi-infinite system of finite thickness and unbounded width. A more general description of dispersion has been adopted than those used by previous workers. It is shown that, when there is a step change in concentration and the mobility ratio is unfavorable, the displacement can be unstable at the injection boundary. But, if the concentration is changed sufficiently slowly with time at the entrance to the system, the displacement is stable to infinitesimal perturbations, no matter how unfavorable the mobility ratio. When the mobility ratio is favorable, the displacement is unconditionally stable.

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