Second Symposium on Turbulence and Shear Flow Phenomena
DOI: 10.1615/TSFP2
THE BAROCLINIC FORCING OF THE SHEAR LAYER THREE-DIMENSIONAL INSTABILITY
pages 59-64
DOI: 10.1615/TSFP2.1730
RESUMO
Some new elements about the transition to three-dimensionality of variable density mixing layers are proposed. The two-dimensional action of the baroclinic torque is examined from the strain fields. It is seen to yield drastically enhanced strain rates in the core region. Then the consequence on the development of three-dimensional instabilities is detailed and the asymmetric development of the streamwise ribs is described. The streamwise circulation is shown to be preferentially generated on the heavy-side of the core and the mechanism of the translative instability is surprinsingly preserved. Compared to the constant density situation, the amplification of the 3D modes is lower and their onset is slightly delayed.