Numerical modeling of a 3-D buoyancy driven convective flow

Author

Gregory James Gosian

Date of Award

5-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Engineering Science

Major Professor

Basil N. Antar

Committee Members

Farouz G. Sharokhi, Frank Collins

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is the solution of the Boussinesq approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations in order to determine the convective flow fields of an incompressible fluid in a small rectangular cuvette. The problem is a mathematical simulation of a physical problem dealing with photo deposition of a nonlinear optical crystal material from solution onto a substrate in microgravity. The temperature gradients and corresponding convective flows which arise during the photodeposition process can detrimentally influence the quality of the film deposited. An exact solution to the problem is unachievable. A finite element method was employed to solve the complete problem.The development of the method applied is given, and the results from the computations provided. It was determined that the finite element solution presented provides the information necessary to confirm the validity of the model, and accurate predictions of convective flow of similar geometry in microgravity can be made.

Recommended Citation

Gosian, Gregory James, "Numerical modeling of a 3-D buoyancy driven convective flow. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1997.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/10533