Flow pattern transition of natural convection in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner wall

Abstract

Purpose

This study considers the natural convection in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner cylinder, and investigates the transition of flows for various Prandtl numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The streamfunction‐vorticity equation and the energy equation governing the flow and temperature field are solved with finite difference method.

Findings

Results are presented to show the transition of flow patterns with increase (or decrease) of the Rayleigh number, and a hysteresis phenomenon is observed.

Originality/value

Dual solutions are shown by using a numerical analysis in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner wall.

Citation

Yoo, J. (2005), "Flow pattern transition of natural convection in a horizontal annulus with constant heat flux on the inner wall", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 15 No. 7, pp. 698-709. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530510613889