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Slender-body theory for steady sheared plumes in very viscous fluid

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2008

ROBERT J. WHITTAKER  and
JOHN R. LISTER
ROBERT J. WHITTAKER
Affiliation:
Institute Of Theoretical Geophysics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA, UK
JOHN R. LISTER
Affiliation:
Institute Of Theoretical Geophysics, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA, UK
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Abstract

A simple model based on slender-body theory is developed to describe the deflection of a steady plume by shear flow in very viscous fluid of the same viscosity. The key dimensionless parameters measuring the relative strengths of the shear, diffusion and source flux are identified, which allows a number of different dynamical regimes to be distinguished. The predictions of the model show good agreement with many, but not all, observations from previous experimental studies. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed.

Type
Papers
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 612 , 10 October 2008 , pp. 21 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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