Turbulent natural convection flow in a vertical channel with anti-symmetric heating

This paper presents the fluid flow characteristics of natural convection flow in an anti-symmetrically heated parallel-plate vertical channel using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system. The channel walls were subjected to uniform temperature conditions, with one wall heated above ambient and the opposing wall maintained below ambient temperature. Velocity measurements were conducted at three different sections on the horizontal plane to validate two-dimensionality of the flow and at three different heights in the vertical plane to establish vertical mean velocity profiles. The results indicate that the flow recirculation in the channel exhibits a similar character to that of a closed cavity and the induced flow rate is much lower than the one for a channel with both walls heated. A correlation for the dimensionless flow rate is developed.