Interface deformation in low reynolds number multiphase flows: Applications to selected problems in geodynamics
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA (United States)
Flow in the mantle of terrestrial planets produces stresses and topography on the planet`s surface which may allow us to infer the dynamics and evolution of the planet`s -interior. This project is directed towards understanding the relationship between dynamical processes related to buoyancy-driven flow and the observable expression (e.g. earthquakes, surface topography) of the flow. Problems considered include the ascent of mantle plumes and their interaction with compositional discontinuities, the deformation of subducted slabs, and effects of lateral viscosity variations on post-glacial rebound. We find that plumes rising from the lower mantle into a lower-viscosity upper mantle become extended vertically. As the plume spreads beneath the planet`s surface, the dynamic topography changes from a bell-shape to a plateau shape. The topography and surface stresses associated . with surface features called arachnoids, novae and coronae on Venus are consistent with the surface expression of a rising and spreading buoyant volume of fluid. Short wavelength viscosity variations, or sharp variations of lithosphere thickness, have a large effect on surface stresses. This study also considers the interaction and deformation of buoyancy-driven drops and bubbles in low Reynolds number multiphase systems. Applications include bubbles in magmas, the coalescence of liquid iron drops during core formation, and a wide range of industrial applications. Our methodology involves a combination of numerical boundary integral calculations, experiments and analytical work. For example, we find that for deformable drops the effects of deformation result in the vertical alignment of initially horizontally offset drops, thus enhancing the rate of coalescence.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 80379
- Report Number(s):
- LA-SUB-95-55; ON: DE95012953
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: [1995]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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