Thermal Convective Instabilities in a Porous Medium

1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kaviany
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Onset Of Convection ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Nonlinear Temperature

The onset of convection due to a nonlinear and time-dependent temperature stratification in a saturated porous medium with upper and lower free surfaces is considered. The initial parabolic temperature distribution is due to uniform internal heating. The medium is then cooled by decreasing the upper surface temperature linearly with time. Linear stability theory is applied to the more formally developed governing equations. In order to obtain an asymptotic solution for transient problems involving very long time scales, the critical Rayleigh number for steady-state, nonlinear temperature distribution is also obtained. The effects of porosity, permeability, and Prandtl number on the time of the onset of convection are examined. The steady-state results show that the critical Rayleigh number depends only on the ratio of porosity to permeability and when this ratio exceeds a value of one thousand, the critical Rayleigh number is directly proportional to this ratio.

Finite Amplitude Convection in a Rotating Porous Medium

1987 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
B. S. Dandapat
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Interstitial Fluid ◽  
Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Horizontal Layer ◽  
Finite Amplitude ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Onset Of Convection

The onset of convection in a horizontal layer of a saturated porous medium heated from below and rotating about a vertical axis with uniform angular velocity is investigated. It is shown that when S ∈ σ >1, overstability cannot occur, where ε is the porosity, σ the Prandtl number and S is related to the heat capacities of the solid and the interstitial fluid. It is also shown that for small values of the rotation parameter T1, finite amplitude motion with subcritical values of Rayleigh number R (i.e. R < Re, where Re is the critical Rayleigh number according to linear stability theory) is possible. For large values of T1, overstability is the preferred mode.

Stability and Convection in Impulsively Heated Porous Layers

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Kohl ◽  
M. Kristoffersen ◽  
F. A. Kulacki
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Heated Surface ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Axisymmetric Flow ◽  
Temperature Fluctuations ◽  
Lower Surface ◽  
Onset Of Convection ◽  
Upward Moving ◽  
The Stability

Experiments are reported on initial instability, turbulence, and overall heat transfer in a porous medium heated from below. The porous medium comprises either water or a water-glycerin solution and randomly stacked glass spheres in an insulated cylinder of height:diameter ratio of 1.9. Heating is with a constant flux lower surface and a constant temperature upper surface, and the stability criterion is determined for a step heat input. The critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection is obtained in terms of a length scale normalized to the thermal penetration depth as Rac=83/(1.08η−0.08η2) for 0.02<η<0.18. Steady convection in terms of the Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers is Nu=0.047Ra0.91Pr0.11(μ/μ0)0.72 for 100<Ra<5000. Time-averaged temperatures suggest the existence of a unicellular axisymmetric flow dominated by upflow over the central region of the heated surface. When turbulence is present, the magnitude and frequency of temperature fluctuations increase weakly with increasing Rayleigh number. Analysis of temperature fluctuations in the fluid provides an estimate of the speed of the upward moving thermals, which decreases with distance from the heated surface.

Effect of a stabilizing gradient of solute on thermal convection

1968 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Veronis
Keyword(s):  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Temperature Gradient ◽  
Prandtl Number ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Effective Diffusion ◽  
Stratified Fluid ◽  
Finite Amplitude ◽  
Oscillatory Motion ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Onset Of Convection

A stabilizing gradient of solute inhibits the onset of convection in a fluid which is subjected to an adverse temperature gradient. Furthermore, the onset of instability may occur as an oscillatory motion because of the stabilizing effect of the solute. These results are obtained from linear stability theory which is reviewed briefly in the following paper before finite-amplitude results for two-dimensional flows are considered. It is found that a finite-amplitude instability may occur first for fluids with a Prandtl number somewhat smaller than unity. When the Prandtl number is equal to unity or greater, instability first sets in as an oscillatory motion which subsequently becomes unstable to disturbances which lead to steady, convecting cellular motions with larger heat flux. A solute Rayleigh number, Rs, is defined with the stabilizing solute gradient replacing the destabilizing temperature gradient in the thermal Rayleigh number. When Rs is large compared with the critical Rayleigh number of ordinary Bénard convection, the value of the Rayleigh number at which instability to finite-amplitude steady modes can set in approaches the value of Rs. Hence, asymptotically this type of instability is established when the fluid is marginally stratified. Also, as Rs → ∞ an effective diffusion coefficient, Kρ, is defined as the ratio of the vertical density flux to the density gradient evaluated at the boundary and it is found that κρ = √(κκs) where κ, κs are the diffusion coefficients for temperature and solute respectively. A study is made of the oscillatory behaviour of the fluid when the oscillations have finite amplitudes; the periods of the oscillations are found to increase with amplitude. The horizontally averaged density gradients change sign with height in the oscillating flows. Stably stratified fluid exists near the boundaries and unstably stratified fluid occupies the mid-regions for most of the oscillatory cycle. Thus the step-like behaviour of the density field which has been observed experimentally for time-dependent flows is encountered here numerically.

Stability of Gravity Driven Convection in a Cylindrical Porous Layer Subjected to Vibration

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saneshan Govender
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Density Gradient ◽  
Porous Layer ◽  
Binary Alloy ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Direct Result ◽  
Porous Cylinder

In both pure fluids and porous media, the density gradient becomes unstable and fluid motion (convection) occurs when the critical Rayleigh number is exceeded. The classical stability analysis no longer applies if the Rayleigh number is time dependant, as found in systems where the density gradient is subjected to vibration. The influence of vibrations on thermal convection depends on the orientation of the time dependant acceleration with respect to the thermal stratification. The problem of a vibrating porous cylinder has numerous important engineering applications, the most important one being in the field of binary alloy solidification. In particular we may extend the above results to understanding the dynamics in the mushy layer (essentially a reactive porous medium) that is sandwiched between the underlying solid and overlying melt regions. Alloyed components are widely used in demanding and critical applications, such as turbine blades, and a consistent internal structure is paramount to the performance and integrity of the component. Alloys are susceptible to the formation of vertical channels which are a direct result of the presence convection, so any technique that suppresses convection/the formation of channels would be welcomed by the plant metallurgical engineer. In the current study, the linear stability theory is used to investigate analytically the effects of gravity modulation on convection in a homogeneous cylindrical porous layer heated from below. The linear stability results show that increasing the frequency of vibration stabilizes the convection. In addition the aspect ratio of the porous cylinder is shown to influence the stability of convection for all frequencies analysed. It was also observed that only synchronous solutions are possible in cylindrical porous layers, with no transition to sub harmonic solutions as was the case in Govender (2005a) for rectangular layers or cavities. The results of the current analysis will be used in the formulation of a model for binary alloy systems that includes the reactive porous medium model.

Onset of Double Diffusive Convection in a Thermally Modulated Fluid-Saturated Porous Medium

2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 291-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beer S. Bhadauria ◽  
Aalam Sherani
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Periodic Part ◽  
Double Diffusive Convection ◽  
Diffusive Convection ◽  
Fluid Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
The Galerkin Method ◽  
Double Diffusive

The onset of double diffusive convection in a sparsely packed porous medium was studied under modulated temperature at the boundaries, and a linear stability analysis has been made. The primary temperature field between the walls of the porous layer consisted of a steady part and a timedependent periodic part and the Galerkin method and the Floquet were used. The critical Rayleigh number was found to be a function of frequency and amplitude of modulation, Prandtl number, porous parameter, diffusivity ratio and solute Rayleigh number.

scholarly journals Natural convection and the evolution of a reactive porous medium

2011 ◽  
Vol 673 ◽  
pp. 286-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
LINDSEY T. RITCHIE ◽  
DAVID PRITCHARD
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
Diffusion Mechanism ◽  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Onset Of Convection ◽  
Convective Circulation ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Porosity And Permeability ◽  
Rayleigh Numbers

We describe a mathematical model of buoyancy-driven flow and solute transport in a saturated porous medium, the porosity and permeability of which evolve through precipitation and dissolution as a mineral is lost or gained from the pore fluid. Imposing a vertically varying equilibrium solubility creates a density gradient which can drive convective circulation. We characterise the onset of convection using linear stability analysis, and explore the further development of the coupled reaction–convection system numerically. At low Rayleigh numbers, the effect of the reaction–permeability feedback is shown to be destabilising through a novel reaction–diffusion mechanism; at higher Rayleigh numbers, the precipitation and dissolution have a stabilising effect. Over longer time scales, reaction–permeability feedback triggers secondary instabilities in quasi-steady convective circulation, leading to rapid reversals in the direction of circulation. Over very long time scales, characteristic patterns of porosity emerge, including horizontal layering as well as the development of vertical chimneys of enhanced porosity. We discuss the implications of these findings for more comprehensive models of reactive convection in porous media.

The smooth transition to a convective régime in a two-dimensional box

1978 ◽  
Vol 358 (1693) ◽  
pp. 199-221 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Fluid Motion ◽  
Finite Amplitude ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Onset Of Convection ◽  
Free Mode ◽  
Limiting Case

The fluid motion in a two-dimensional box heated from below is considered. The horizontal surfaces are taken to be free and isothermal while the sidewalls are first taken to be rigid and perfect insulators. Linear stability theory shows that the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection is higher than that when no side walls are present and the eigenvalue spectrum is discrete. Finite amplitude theory shows that the onset of convection is sudden, that is, bifurcation occurs. The effect of allowing the sidewalls to be slightly imperfect insulators is also investigated. It is found that if the boundary conditions of the sidewalls depart only slightly from those given above, there is a significant change in the response of the fluid. In the most general circumstances a resonance of the free mode is excited as the Rayleigh number approaches its critical value and finite amplitude effects become important. Then it is shown that the onset of convection is quite smooth and the concept of a sharp bifurcation at a critical Rayleigh number is no longer tenable. For a particular class of imperfections it is shown that a ‘transcritical’ bifurcation as described by Benjamin (1976) is possible. The limiting case of a very long box is given special consideration.

Interacting convection modes in a saturated porous medium of nearly square planform: four modes

2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 526-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan J. Florio ◽  
Andrew P. Bassom ◽  
Konstantinos Sakellariou ◽  
Thomas Stemler
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Basins Of Attraction ◽  
Stable States ◽  
Pitchfork Bifurcations ◽  
Multiple Stable States ◽  
Box Dimensions

Abstract Convection can occur in a confined saturated porous box when the associated Rayleigh number exceeds a threshold critical value: the identity of the preferred onset convection mode depends sensitively on the geometry of the box. Here we discuss examples for which the box dimensions are such that four modes share a common critical Rayleigh number. Perturbation theory is used to derive a system of coupled ordinary differential equations that governs the nonlinear interaction of the four modes and an analysis of this set is undertaken. In particular, it is demonstrated that as the Rayleigh number is increased beyond critical so a series of pitchfork bifurcations occur and multiple stable states are identified that correspond to the survival of just one of the four modes. The basins of attraction for each mode in the 4D phase space are described by a reduction to a suitable 3D counterpart.

On the Effect of Mechanical and Thermal Anisotropy on the Stability of Gravity Driven Convection in Rotating Porous Media

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saneshan Govender ◽  
Peter Vadasz
Keyword(s):  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Onset Of Convection ◽  
Thermal Anisotropy ◽  
Gravity Driven ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Rayleigh Benard

We investigate Rayleigh-Benard convection in a porous layer subjected to gravitational and Coriolis body forces, when the fluid and solid phases are not in local thermodynamic equilibrium. The Darcy model (extended to include Coriolis effects and anisotropic permeability) is used to describe the flow whilst the two-equation model is used for the energy equation (for the solid and fluid phases separately). The linear stability theory is used to evaluate the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection and the effect of both thermal and mechanical anisotropy on the critical Rayleigh number is discussed.

Effects of Nonuniform Thermal Gradient and Adiabatic Boundaries on Convection in Porous Media

1980 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Rudraiah ◽  
B. Veerappa ◽  
S. Balachandra Rao
Keyword(s):  
Porous Medium ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Heat Source ◽  
Thermal Gradient ◽  
Saturated Porous Medium ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Single Term ◽  
Special Cases ◽  
Basic Temperature ◽  
Bounding Surfaces

The effects of different combinations of thermally insulated boundaries and nonuniform thermal gradient caused by either sudden heating or cooling at the boundaries or by distributed heat sources on convective stability in a fluid saturated porous medium are investigated using linear theory by considering the Brinkman model. In the case of sudden heating or cooling, solutions are obtained using single-term Galerkin expansion and attention is focused on the situation where the critical Rayleigh number is less than that for uniform temperature gradient and the convection is not maintained. Numerical values are obtained for various basic temperature profiles and some general conclusions about their destabilizing effects are presented. In particular, it is shown that the results of viscous fluid (σ = 0) and the usual Darcy porous medium (σ → ∞) emerge from our analysis as special cases. In the case of convection caused by heat source, since the effect of heat source is not brought out by the single-term Galerkin expansion, the critical internal Rayleigh number is determined using higher order expansion by specifying the external Rayleigh number. It is shown that, for values of σ2 ≥ 2.45 × 105, the different combinations of bounding surfaces give almost the same Rayleigh number and an explanation, following Lapwood, for this surprising behavior is given. It is found that the heat source’s effect on convection decreases for wave numbers up to the value 2.2 and drops suddenly around the critical value of 2.4 and then increases up to 2.5.

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