Oscillatory Double-Diffusive Convection in a Horizontal Cavity with Soret and Dufour Effects

Abstract

Oscillatory double-diffusive convection in horizontal cavity with Soret and Dufour effects is investigated numerically based on SIMPLE algorithm with QUICK scheme in non-uniform staggered grid system. The results show that double-diffusive convection develops from steady-state convection-dominated, periodic oscillatory, quasi-periodic oscillatory to chaotic flow, and finally return to periodic oscillation as buoyancy ratio increases. Moreover, fundamental frequency and fluctuation amplitude increase with buoyancy ratio. As Rayleigh number increases, transition trendy of oscillatory convection is similar to that of buoyancy ratio. But the return of periodic oscillation from chaos is not obtained as Rayleigh number increases. As aspect ratio decreases, the oscillatory convection evolves from periodic into steady-state. In addition, fundamental frequency increases at first and then decreases while fluctuation amplitude decreases with aspect ratio.