Similarity model of nonlinear convection

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6287374

Shapiro, A M

Nonlinear equations for a steady axisymmetric convective flow of an incompressible fluid over a horizontal plate are analyzed using a similarity relation that has been used in the study of geophysical vortices. The principal assumption of this model is that the components of the fluid-velocity field decrease inversely with distance from a point singularity located at the intersection of the axis of symmetry and the plate. Although the tangential velocity component around the vertical axis is assumed to be zero, the model can be generalized to include unsteady swirling motion. The inverse distance scaling for the velocity field transforms the Navier-Stokes equations into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations in the polar angle. In closing the model, it is convenient to specify to solenoidal term of the vorticity equation explicitly as a function of the polar angle and distance from the point singularity. Numerical results indicate that axial jets can form in association with updrafts but not with downdrafts. On the other hand, wall jets can be found in downdrafts but not in updrafts. Results are interpreted through a consideration of the vorticity balance.

• Research Organization: Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6287374
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION
CONVECTION
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW
VORTEX FLOW
FLOW MODELS
JETS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLUID FLOW
HEAT TRANSFER
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
420400* - Engineering- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
500100 - Environment
Atmospheric- Basic Studies- (-1989)