The potential fluctuation and its interfacial phenomena in molecular, micro, macro, and cosmic flow instabilities

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of potential fluctuation as the fundamental origin of flow instabilities across micro, macro, and cosmic scales, emphasizing its basis in conservation of mass and independence from boundary surface topography.

Contribution

It proposes a new physics framework for flow instabilities based on potential fluctuation, advancing understanding of their origin across various scales.

Findings

Potential fluctuation exists before flow instability develops.

Potential fluctuation is determined by densities and velocities, not boundary topography.

The concept applies to micro, macro, and cosmic flow phenomena.

Abstract

Flow instabilities play important roles in a wide range of engineering, geophysical, and astrophysical flows, ranging from supernova explosion in crab nebula, formation of clouds in sky, waves on ocean, to inertial confinement fusion capsules, making fusion energy a viable alternative energy source in the future. The potential for life is directly related to flow instability mixing as well. Previous researchers have focused on developed stages of flow instabilities by assuming sine wave interface between fluids in the flow instabilities. No scientific research has been reported to investigate the origin of flow instabilities. The paper advances a new physics concept, potential fluctuation in flow based on the conservation of mass, which presents potential oscillatory sine wave surface in the spatial and temporal dimensions at the interface of flow instabilities. Potential fluctuation is decided by the two densities and velocities in the flow as indicated by the relation of continuity. Even before the flow instabilities start to develop, potential fluctuation has already internally existed in flow. It is only decided by the densities and velocities of the two moving fluids and is not related to the surface topography of the boundary of flows in the flow instability. It is the gene of flow instability. The paper presents breakthrough of understanding of micro, macro, and cosmic flow instabilities.