This project consists of a series of laboratory experiments to study mixing in two-layer exchange flows. The work includes quantitative measurements of the hydraulically controlled mean flow, study of the coherent structures associated with instability and mixing, and the effect of mixing on the mean flow. Continuously stratified systems will be considered once the two- layer flow experiments are better understood. The study provides an innovative idea in the study of mixing processes; specifically, the uncoupling mechanism whereby a fluid layer of intermediate density appears between the two counter-flowing layers and blocks instabilities and mixing.
