• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2015

Earth's magnetopause separating the fast and often turbulent magnetosheath and the relatively stagnant magnetosphere provides various forms of free energy that generate low-frequency surface waves. The source mechanism of this energy includes current-driven kinetic physical processes such as magnetic reconnection on the dayside magnetopause and flux transfer events drifting along the magnetopause, and velocity shear-driven (Kelvin-Helmholtz instability) or density/pressure gradient-driven (Rayleigh-Taylor instability) magnetohydro-dynamics (MHD) instabilities. The solar wind external perturbations (impulsive transient pressure pulses or quasi-periodic dynamic pressure variations) act as seed fluctuations for the magnetopause waves and trigger ULF pulsations inside the magnetosphere via global modes or mode conversion at the magnetopause. The magnetopause waves thus play an important role in the solar wind-magnetosphere coupling, which is the key to space weather. This paper presents recent findings regarding the generation of surface waves (e.g., Kelvin-Helmholtz waves) at the Earth's magnetopause and analytic and observational studies accountable for the linking of the magnetopause waves and inner magnetospheric ULF pulsations, and the impacts of magnetopause waves on the dynamics of the magnetopause and on the inner magnetosphere.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.44 no.8
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• pp.871-888
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• 2012

This paper aims at presenting the state of the art, the recent progress, and the perspective for the future, in the modelling of two-phase flow in the horizontal legs of a PWR. All phenomena relevant for safety analysis are listed first. The selection of the modelling approach for system codes is then discussed, including the number of fluids or fields, the space and time resolution, and the use of flow regime maps. The classical two-fluid six-equation one-pressure model as it is implemented in the CATHARE code is then presented and its properties are described. It is shown that the axial effects of gravity forces may be correctly taken into account even in the case of change of the cross section area or of the pipe orientation. It is also shown that it can predict both fluvial and torrential flow with a possible hydraulic jump. Since phase stratification plays a dominant role, the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability and the stability of bubbly flow regime are discussed. A transition criterion based on a stability analysis of shallow water waves may be used to predict the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. Recent experimental data obtained in the METERO test facility are analysed to model the transition from a bubbly to stratified flow regime. Finally, perspectives for further improvement of the modelling are drawn including dynamic modelling of turbulence and interfacial area and multi-field models.