Gravity Orientation Effects on Convection in the Gap Between Partially Heated Cylinders

Abstract

This paper reports the results of numerical simulation of a steady-state convective flow of incompressible fluid in the gap between two coaxial cylinders. It is assumed that only half of the inner cylinder is heated, and the external cylinder is kept at constant temperature. It has been established that the rotation of the heater through a certain angle causes the convective plume axis to deviate. This strongly affects the flow pattern and the related heat transfer process. The maximum integral heat flux is observed when the heater is in its uppermost position, and the minimum heat flux is observed when the heater is located sidewise. Approximating the obtained results, the dependence of the Nusselt number on the Rayleigh parameter and the rotation angle is obtained.