Numerical simulation of turbulent mixing by Rayleigh-Taylor instability

Abstract Two-dimensional hydrodynamic codes are used to simulate the growth of perturbations at an interface between two fluids of different density due to Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Problems where the interface is subjected to a constant acceleration and where it is accelerated and decelerated by shock waves are considered. Emphasis is placed on the case when the initial perturbation consists of many different wavelength modes. Results are compared with the experimental data of Andronov et al. (1976) and Read (1983). The use of a simple empirical model of the mixing process based on the equations of two-phase flow is discussed.