Simulation of Two-Dimensional, Low-Pr Natural Convection in Harmonically Oscillated, Differentially Heated Enclosures

This study deals with the interaction between (1) buoyancy-induced convection within a liquid metal that is housed in a square, differentially heated enclosure and (2) externally imposed excitation in the form of harmonic rocking about the enclosure centerpoint. The superposition of buoyancy and Coriolis forces leads to complex fluid flow and heat transfer. The transition to chaotic convection is accelerated, and heat transfer rates are reduced as the enclosure is excited at the fundamental frequency of osculation associated with the pun buoyancy-driven case. Average neat transfer rates are correlated for Pr = 0.02 and 0.03 liquids, with heat transfer being more sensitive to external rocking for the Pr = 0.03 case.