ANALYSIS OF NATURAL-CONVECTION IN A ROTATING OPEN-LOOP

This work deals with a one-dimensional analysis of a rotating open loo p subjected to a uniform heat flux per unit length. Fluid temperature is fixed at the inlet of the loop. Flow is driven by buoyancy as well as by a pressure gradient. The criterion for onset of motion is first determined. Steady-state motion is then analyzed and is found to exhib it both a positive and a negative branch. Linear stability analysis is performed to determine regions in parameter space over which the flow is unstable. Parameters varied for this analysis are those correspond ing to rotational velocity, heat flux, and a modified pressure differe nce across the loop. One or both velocities may be stable. It is also possible to have an oscillatory state coexist with a time-independent solution. A perturbation method is used to evaluate the effect of grav ity on flow characteristics.