Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-lnqnp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-20T22:36:28.963Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Experiments on the stabilization of the no-motion state of a fluid layer heated from below and cooled from above

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 May 1998

JIE TANG
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6315, USA Current address: Aeroquip Corporation, Corporate Technology, 2323 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1530, USA.
H. H. BAU
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6315, USA

Abstract

It is demonstrated experimentally that through the use of feedback control, it is possible to stabilize the no-motion (conductive) state of a fluid layer confined in a circular cylinder heated from below and cooled from above (the Rayleigh–Bénard problem), thereby postponing the transition from a no-motion state to cellular convection. The control system utilizes multiple sensors and actuators. The actuators consist of individually controlled heaters microfabricated on a silicon wafer which forms the bottom of the test cell. The sensors are diodes installed at the fluid's midheight. The sensors monitor the deviation of the fluid temperatures from preset, desired values and direct the actuators to act in such a way as to eliminate these deviations.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1998 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)