Computation of Two-Dimensional Time-Dependent Natural Convection of Compressible Fluid in a Rectangular Enclosure

摘要

Studies of natural convection processes generally assume an incompressible fluid wherein the density is a function of temperature only (the Boussinesq approximation). However, local pressure gradients caused by rapid variations in the heated wall temperature cannot be described within this approximation. These time-varying gradients cause fluid motions which perturb the quasi-static natural convection process. In this study, we describe a numerical analysis procedure which includes compressibility effects and allows computation of transient fluid motions during onset of natural convection. Details of the computational procedure and preliminary results for one geometry are given.