Flow and Stress Near an Interface between Stratified Liquids

Abstract

Observations are made of a density current system in which salt water flows turbulently under a pool of fresh water. The density and rate of flow of the salt water are varied, resulting in varying degrees of agitation of the interface. Measurements include the interface slope, the velocity and density profiles, and the rate of mixing. Profiles of stress and effective viscosity are developed from the observations and the equation of motion. In the zone of stable stratification the effective viscosity has a minimum equal to or greater than the molecular viscosity depending upon whether the interface is laminar or agitated. Dimensionless relationships between the observed or computed quantities and the given fluid properties and flow characteristics are investigated. The principal independent variables are a Reynolds number and a Froude number. An interfacial stress coefficient is found to depend upon both. With fair accuracy, the velocity profile can be related to the interfacial stress in a manner analogous to that for turbulent flow near a rigid boundary.