Prediction of natural convection flow pattern in low-aspect ratio enclosures

The natural convection of a fluid confined within a low aspect ratio rectangular enclosure with differentially heated end walls is addressed. 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.