A laboratory experiment of critical transition flow modes in Czochrals
ki convection was performed, Numerical computation was also made to de
lineate the dynamic transition mechanism of flow modes. The period of
temperature oscillation (t(p)) and the interval of temperature oscilla
tion (Delta theta) were scrutinized to capture the critical transition
regime. The mixed convection parameter was varied in a range 0.134 le
ss than or equal to Ra/PrRe2 less than or equal to 3.804. The computed
results were shown to be in good agreement with the experimental data
. The influence of the Prandtl number on the transition was examined f
or Pr = 910, 4445 and 8889. To understand the transition mechanism, th
e detailed temperature oscillation modes, the isolines of meridional t
emperature and the axial velocity profiles were investigated. The effe
ct of the rotations of crucible on the transient flow modes were also
examined.