Numerical Simulation of Density-Driven Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow

Abstract

Density-driven flow is numerically studied. The sinking fluid is set as a power-law non-Newtonian fluid with a higher density than the environmental fluid. During the simulation process, saturation concentration is fixed on the upper boundary, thus downward plumes are formed because of gravitational instability. The dissolution flux undergoes a series of changes, from the initially diffusion-dominated regime to the convection-dominated regime due to the appearance of finger structures, and then to the transition of finger structures merging into larger plumes. Finally, it enters the shut-down regime as the plumes start to reach the impermeable bottom boundary. In the process of plume sinking, different fluid properties have an important impact on the downward velocity, shape of plumes, and the dissolution flux of the flow field. The tip velocity of the plumes is slowed until high-concentration fluid is supplied to further push the plumes downward. For the shear-thinning fluid ambient fluid, this phenomenon is even more drastic. However, for shear-thickening fluid, this phenomenon is almost not observed. In addition, unlike the condition of a Newtonian fluid, protoplumes on the original interface appear at the early stage. Prominent protoplumes have developed between the primary plumes in non-Newtonian fluids throughout the entire process.