Modeling of natural thermogravitational convection in horizontal channels with an irregularly shaped cross section

Results of a numerical investigation of the natural thermogravitational convection of air in horizontal channels with a Γ-shaped cross section are presented. Two-dimensional unsteady equations of convection in the Boussinesq approximation, which are written in the velocity vortex-current function-excess temperature variables, are employed as a mathematical model. In investigating, the range of Rayleigh numbers was bounded above by the value 10^sup 6^, which corresponds to the range of applicability of the Boussinesq approximation to air in the problem posed. The boundary-value problem was solved numerically by the finite-element method of Galerkin (weak formulation). The distinctive features of the temperature and flow fields were revealed on the basis of calculations and the intensity of heat exchange was evaluated.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]