Developing mixed convection in vertical eccentric annuli

This paper deals with the problem of combined (forced–free) convection in vertical eccentric annuli with simultaneously developing hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layers. A bipolar model has been developed and a numerical algorithm for solving this model is outlined. Results, not available in the literature, are presented for the developing velocity profiles, axial variation of pressure, full development length, and heat transfer parameters under thermal boundary conditions of having one of the annulus boundaries at a constant temperature while the other boundary is insulated. Both aiding and opposing free convection have been considered and possibilities of flow reversal occurrence have also been checked. After a distance from the channel entrance and provided that the value of Gr/Re is sufficiently large, aiding free convection can develop to overcome the fluid friction and the eccentric annular channel eventually works as a diffuser. The value of Gr/Re for which a vertical eccentric annular channel can work as a diffuser decreases as the eccentricity increases. The axial distance from the entrance at which the channel starts to work as a diffuser decreases as Gr/Re increases.