Linear analysis of flow mode transition triggered by finite-sized particles in Rayleigh-B\'enard convection

Abstract

A mathematical model to study the flow evolution in RB convection laden with finite-sized particles after a flow perturbation is developed with an Euler-Lagrange viewpoint. A linear analysis is conducted by combining the averaged flow-scale momentum equation with the averaged particle-scale heat exchange equation. A flow mode of regular oscillation, which is triggered by the heat exchange process between every single particle and its surrounding fluid element, is predicted by this model. Three time scales, namely $\tau_f $, $\tau_p$, and $\Delta t$, are shown to be involved in the heat exchange process, giving significance to the temperature distribution inside the single particle. By assuming $\tau_f / \tau_p \gg 1$, the detailed correlation between the oscillation period and $\kappa_p / \kappa_f $ is established, suggesting a flow mode transition with the change of heat diffusivity ratio of particle to fluid.