Experimental and theoretical study of salt-gradient pond interface behavior

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5283370

Meyer, K A; Grimmer, D P; Jones, G F

An extension is described of a numerical model to include the effect of wind shear on upper convective region growth. Laboratory experiments designed to investigate interface motion in salt-gradient ponds are reported, and the numerical model prediction is compared with an experimental result. Numerical model treatment of the double diffusive effects at the interfaces between convecting and nonconvecting regions in solar ponds is reviewed, and an approach is described that incorporates wind-generated turbulent entrainment into the interface treatment. The calculated behavior agrees with observations made on a solar pond. Two kinds of interface experiments are discussed. The first kind consists of tank experiments designed to give information on interface motion, and on salt and heat transport across interfaces. Numerical model predictions are compared with experimental data. The second type of experiments combine flow-visualization techniques with temperature and salinity measurements. These experiments reveal the flow structure in the neighborhood of the interface.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5283370
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-82-834; CONF-820629-4; ON: DE82012145
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
CONTAINERS
DIFFUSION
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENTRAINMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
HEAT TRANSFER
IMAGES
INTERFACES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PONDS
SALINITY
SALINITY GRADIENTS
SHEAR
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR PONDS
SURFACE WATERS
TANKS
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
TESTING
WIND