An Analysis of Laminar Free and Forced Convection between Finite Vertical Parallel Plates

Abstract

Approximate analytical solutions are presented for constant-property laminar free- and forced-convection flows between finite vertical parallel plates. For free convection, the thermal boundary conditions considered include the thermally symmetric channel with uniform wall temperature or step change in wall temperature and the unsymmetric channel with uniform but unequal wall temperatures. For forced convection and combined free and forced convection, the thermally symmetric and uniform thermal boundary condition is considered. Where possible, results are compared with available numerical and experimental results. Particular attention is given to heat-transfer results, which cover a wide range of Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers. For combined convection the heat-transfer results are related to the impressed pressure difference and flow rate.