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A numerical study of pitchfork bifurcations in a volumetrically heated fluid

Conference ·
OSTI ID:459227
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (United States)
The problem of stability of the no-flow solution in a volumetrically heated fluid is studied using numerical methods based on bifurcation theory. The Navier-Stokes-Boussinesq equations were discretized using a nodal integral method to produce a set of nonlinear algebraic equations for the discrete variables. This set of equations was then augmented by additional nonlinear algebraic equations, making an extended system of equations which, when solved, yields the value of the pitchfork bifurcation point. This extended system was then used to determine the value of the volumetric heating at which the no-flow solution becomes unstable and double-roll (up-welling and down-welling) convection patterns are established as stable solutions in a supercritical pitchfork bifurcation.
OSTI ID:
459227
Report Number(s):
CONF-950420--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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