Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-7cvxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T13:59:31.363Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Natural convection in a shallow cavity with differentially heated end walls. Part 1. Asymptotic theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2006

D. E. Cormack
Affiliation:
Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
L. G. Leal
Affiliation:
Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
J. Imberger
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Australia, Nedlands

Abstract

The problem of natural convection in a cavity of small aspect ratio with differentially heated end walls is considered. It is shown by use of matched asymptotic expansions that the flow consists of two distinct regimes: a parallel flow in the core region and a second, non-parallel flow near the ends of the cavity. A solution valid at all orders in the aspect ratio A is found for the core region, while the first several terms of the appropriate asymptotic expansion are obtained for the end regions. Parametric limits of validity for the parallel flow structure are discussed. Asymptotic expressions for the Nusselt number and the single free parameter of the parallel flow solution, valid in the limit as A → 0, are derived.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1974 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Batchelor, G. K. 1954 Quart. Appl. Math. 12, 209.
Benthem, J. P. 1963 Quart. J. Mech. Appl. Math. 16, 413.
Cormack, D. E., Stone, G. P. & Leal, L. G. 1974 Int. J. Mass Heat Transfer, to appear.
De Vahl Davis, G. 1968 Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 11, 1675.
Elder, J. W. 1965 J. Fluid Mech. 23, 77.
Fadle, J. 1941 Ing. Archiv. 11, 125.
Fischer, H. B. 1973 Ann. Rev. Fluid Mech. 5, 59.
Gill, A. E. 1966 J. Fluid Mech. 26, 515.
Mittleman, B. S. & Hillman, A. P. 1946 Math. Tables & Other Aids to Comp. 2, 61.
Newell, M. E. & Schmidt, F. W. 1970 J. Heat. Transfer, 92, 159.
Quon, C. 1972 Phys. Fluids, 15, 12.
Szekely, J. & Todd, M. R. 1971 Int. Heat Mass Transfer, 14, 467.
Wilkes, J. O. & Churchill, S. W. 1966 A.I.Ch.E. J. 12, 161.