Numerical analysis of natural convection in a square cavity at high Rayleigh numbers using the GSMAC finite-element method.

Abstract
Unsteady flows of natural convection in a square cavity are investigated numerically using the GSMAC (generalized and simplified marker and cell) finite-element method at high Rayleigh numbers(Ra =106 - 108). The present result at Ra = 106 is compared with the bench mark solutions by de Vahl Davis and Saitoh-Hirose. Both results are in good agreement. The validity of BTD (balancing tensor diffusivity) suggested by Dukowicz and the multi-pass explicit algorithm suggested by Donea are discussed. As a result, it is found that the GSMAC method is very stable and accurate at high Rayleigh flows as at high Reynolds flows. The complex transient phenomena at high Rayleigh numbers are successfully observed.

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