Numerical Studies of Phase Transitions and Two-Phase Flow in NaCl-H20 Hydrothermal Systems

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This proposal represents a continuation of our effort to understand two-phase flow in seafloor hydrothermal systems (more generally termed NaCl-H2O systems). With recent NSF support, we have developed a numerical code for modeling two-phase flow in a NaCl-H2O hydrothermal system called GTHSW (Georgia Tech Hydrothermal Seawater). We are also in the process of fully documenting the code so that the research community can use it. In the proposed research we will extend the code to 1000 degrees C by using corresponding states theory to calculate enthalpy for the NaCl-H2O system and improve code efficiency by modifying it for parallel computations. We will then perform fundamental and parametric modeling of NaCl-H2O systems using fundamental one and two dimensional model geometries. We will then use the code to model the Salton Sea Geothermal System, California, investigate the formation and dissipation of brine layers at the base of bottom heated seafloor systems and study the evolution of vent chlorinity in dike-heated) systems.