Gradient Layer Entrainment Correlation for a Salt Gradient Solar Pond With Storage Layer Recirculation

Abstract

Experiments were performed in a large tank to determine the effects of combined mixing, due to bottom heating and a horizontal recirculation, on the entrainment of salt stratified fluid. Entrainment rate data obtained for large Richardson numbers were used with existing data for smaller Richardson numbers to develop a single term correlation for the range 102 < Ri < 104 . The appropriate velocity and length scales for the combined mixing experiments were the convective velocity, the square root of the jet kinematic momentum flux divided by the distance from the discharge diffuser to the interface, and the height of the mixed layer.