Simulations of lateral mixing in cross-channel flow

Cross flow phenomena between connected sub-channels are studied by means of numerical simulations based on lattice-Boltzmann discretization. The cross (that is lateral) transfer is largely due to macroscopic instabilities developing at two shear layers. The characteristic size and advection velocity of the instabilities favorably compare with experimental results from the literature on a geometrically similar system. The strength of the cross flow strongly depends on the Reynolds number, with cross flow developing only for Reynolds numbers (based on macroscopic flow quantities) larger than 1360. Mass transfer between the sub-channels has been assessed by adding a passive scalar to the flow and solving its transport equation. As a result of the intimate connection of cross flow and lateral mass transfer, also the mass transfer coefficient is a pronounced function of Re.