Numerical study of natural convection in a vertical, annular, porous layer

Steady, nautral convection in a fluid-saturated, vertical, annular, porous layer was studied. Numerical analysis was performed using a finite element computer program based on the Galerkin form of the finite element method. Heat transfer rates are predicted for Rayleigh numbers in the range 25 to 100 with layer aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 8 and ratios of layer height-to-inner radius of 2, 4, and 8. Representative plots of isotherms and streamlines are also presented. Effects of anisotropic permeability are evaluated in a preliminary manner. Application of the results to an insulated storage tank is illustrated.