The influence of a fluid-porous interface on solar pond stability

Hill, A. A.; Hill, Antony A.; Carr, M.

Abstract

The linear instability of the gradient zone of a solar pond containing a fluid-porous interface is investigated. It is found that the gradient zone can retain the same stability for lower values of the solute Rayleigh number with the introduction of a porous material compared with a purely fluid layer, whilst maintaining the same lower convective zone temperature.Interestingly, it is also shown that for certain parameter values the penetration of a porous medium into the gradient zone can cause the temperature of the lower convective zone to rise. However, for certain parameter ranges, when the fluid-porous interface is towards the top of the gradient zone, the solar pond can become highly unstable. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2013
• Journal: Advances in Water Resources
• Print ISSN: 0309-1708
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 52
• Pages: 1-6
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2012.08.009
• Keywords: solar pond, fluid/porous interface, linear instability
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/935156
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2012.08.009