Passive scalar mixing and decay at finite correlation times in the Batchelor regime

Abstract

An elegant model for passive scalar mixing was given by Kraichnan assuming the velocity to be delta-correlated in time. We generalize this model to include the effects of a finite correlation time, $\tau$, using renewing flows. The resulting equation for the 3-D passive scalar spectrum $\hat{M}(k,t)$ or its correlation function $M(r,t)$, gives the Kraichnan equation when $\tau \to 0$, and extends it to the next order in $\tau$. It involves third and fourth order derivatives of $M$ or $\hat{M}$ (in the high $k$ limit). For small-$\tau$, it can be recast using the Landau-Lifshitz approach, to one with at most second derivatives of $\hat{M}$. We present both a scaling solution to this equation neglecting diffusion and a more exact solution including diffusive effects. We show that the steady state 1-D passive scalar spectrum, preserves the Batchelor form, $E_\theta(k) \propto k^{-1}$, in the viscous-convective limit, independent of $\tau$. This result can also be obtained in a general manner using Lagrangian methods. Interestingly, in the absence of sources, when passive scalar fluctuations decay, we show that the spectrum in the Batchelor regime and at late times, is of the form $E_\theta(k) \propto k^{1/2}$ and also independent of $\tau$. More generally, finite $\tau$ does not qualitatively change the shape of the spectrum during decay, although the decay rate is reduced. From high resolution ($1024^3$) direct numerical simulations of passive scalar mixing and decay, We find reasonable agreement with predictions of the Batchelor spectrum, during steady state. The scalar spectrum during decay agrees qualitatively with analytic predictions when power is dominantly in wavenumbers corresponding to the Batchelor regime, but is however shallower when box scale fluctuations dominate during decay (abridged).