Flow Patterns and Heat Transfer in a Cylindrical Annulus under 1g and low-g Conditions: Theory and Simulation

A dielectric fluid is confined in a stationary vertical cylindrical annulus. A temperature difference is applied between the two cylinders, as well as an alternating electric potential. This configuration creates an active force called dielectrophoretic force, which acts as a thermal buoyancy force. Different axial gravity intensities are considered, so that two thermal buoyancies will affect the flow: the thermoelectric buoyancy intervenes in the radial direction and the Archimedean buoyancy acts in the axial direction. Linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulation are performed following experimental research that has been performed during parabolic flight campaigns.