A Note on Multiple and Unsteady Solutions in Two-Dimensional Convection in a Tall Cavity

Abstract

Two-dimensional natural convection in a vertical differentially heated air-filled cavity is investigated numerically from the onset of the multicellular flow structure to the return of the unicellular pattern. Several branches of solutions characterized by different numbers of cells in the flow structure are found. The return to the unicellular flow structure occurs through a gradual decrease in the number of cells and each change in the number of cells is characterized by hysteresis. Also, unsteady solutions are found.