Three-dimensional, nonlinear evolution of the Rayleigh--Taylor instability of a thin layer

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.864842· OSTI ID:6580732

Manheimer, W; Colombant, D; Ott, E

A numerical simulation scheme is developed to examine the nonlinear evolution of the Rayleigh--Taylor instability of a thin sheet in three dimensions. It is shown that the erosion of mass at the top of the bubble is approximately as described by two-dimensional simulations. However, mass is lost into spikes more slowly in three-dimensional than in two-dimensional simulations.

• Research Organization: Plasma Physics Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375
• OSTI ID: 6580732
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Vol. 27:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
PLASMA SHEET
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
RAYLEIGH-TAYLOR INSTABILITY
EQUILIBRIUM PLASMA
EROSION
GRAVITATION
LASER FUSION REACTORS
MASS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
USES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
INSTABILITY
MAGNETOSPHERE
MATHEMATICS
PLASMA
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities