Experimental study of transient convective flows from a suddenly heated groove

Transient convective flows from a groove with a bottom suddenly heated are investigated using shadowgraph visualization and thermistor measurement. The evolution and property of transient convective flows are characterized. The scaling laws of the thickness of the thermal fluid layer and the velocity of the plume are validated by shadowgraph data. Shadowgraph visualization demonstrates that the plume may move along the groove, which was highlighted in the previous numerical study. In addition, temperature time series measured by thermistors are used to describe the oscillations of unsteady convective flows. The frequency of the oscillations in the fully developed stage is obtained using the spectral analysis. Further, the transition from periodic to chaotic flows is identified and discussed. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates transient convective flows from a groove with a suddenly heated bottom using shadowgraph visualization and thermistor measurement. The research characterizes the evolution and properties of these flows, validates scaling laws, and describes the movement of the plume and oscillations of unsteady convective flows. Additionally, it identifies and discusses the transition from periodic to chaotic flows.