Prediction of Natural Convection Flow Pattern in Low-Aspect Ratio Enclosures

摘要

The present work deals with the natural convection of a fluid confined within a low aspect ratio rectangular enclosure with differentially heated end walls. The objective is to predict the core flow pattern a priori once the boundary and geometry conditions are given. Multiple scales technique is employed to obtain a proper mathematical model from which the core flow patterns are analyzed based on various force balances. Global analyses show a number of possible core configurations. Detailed analyses lead to predictions for the occurrence of possible flow subregimes, such as secondary cells. Comparison with the existing experimental results shows good agreement. (Author)