Non-Boussinesq Effects on the Linear Stability of Thermal Convection in an Inclined Slot.

Abstract

Stability of thermal convection in an inclined slot which is differentially heated is examined. The temperature dependence of the viscosity, thermal conductivity and density is taken into account as non-Boussinesq effects. As a result of the linear stability analysis, oblique modes are predicted not to become critical, and either longitudinal mode or transverse mode gives the critical condition. We specify the existence regions of the longitudinal mode, the transverse shear mode, and the transverse buoyancy mode in a parameter space involving the inclination angle of the slot.