Transient induced flow through a vertical annulus

Abstract

Transient laminar free convection in a vertical annulus is investigated numerically. The induced flow is due to a step change in the outer wall temperature, while the inner wall is adiabatic. The range of Grashof number considered is 4 ≤ Gr ≤ 50,000, while the Prandtl number is 0.7. Results are presented showing the variations of the temperature and velocity profiles with time and location. Also, variations with time of the induced flow, the heat absorbed by the fluid, and the pressure distribution along the annulus are given.