Application of the wavelet transform for a channel flow in a mixed convection phenomenon

• Published in: Heat and mass transfer 2008-08, Vol.44 (10), p.1263-1269
• Main Authors: Abid, C., Koffi, F., Medale, M., Papini, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Convection and heat transfer; Engineering; Engineering Thermodynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Flows in ducts, channels, nozzles, and conduits; Fluid dynamics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Heat and Mass Transfer; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Original; Physics; Thermodynamics; Transition to turbulence; Turbulent flows, convection, and heat transfer
• ISSN: 0947-7411; 1432-1181
• DOI: 10.1007/s00231-007-0367-z

The aim of this paper is to investigate laminar-turbulent transition in a mixed convection phenomenon occurring in a horizontal rectangular duct. Indeed, laminar-turbulent transition is well known in the case of forced convection but the presence of secondary flow induced by natural convection on this transition is not well highlighted. In this study, we will not be concerned by determining a critical threshold value of a Reynolds number of transition but only to estimate the degree of turbulence in the transition regime, i.e. weak turbulence in the case of a mixed convection phenomenon. This is possible thanks to the application of the wavelet transform. The calculation of the Hölder exponent, associated with the maximum value of the singularity spectrum for various experimental conditions allows the degree of turbulence to be measured. The variation of the Hölder exponent versus heat flux and Reynolds number enables us to show that there are two ways to go towards turbulence: thermal by increasing heat flux and hydrodynamic by increasing fluid velocity.