On the Orientation of Convective Rolls in an Inclined Rectangular Channel

Abstract

An analysis of the linear stability of convective flow in a channel of rectangular cross-section inclined to the horizon is presented. The behavior of three-dimensional monotonic disturbances is considered for different values of the channel width and fluid properties. The main flow is obtained in an analytical form. Two angles of inclination, at which the convective roll changes, are determined. A strong dependence of the smaller inclination angle on the channel width and its weak dependence on the medium characteristics and a weak dependence of the greater inclination angle on the channel width are established.