An asymptotic and numerical study of slow, steady ascent in a Newtonian fluid with temperature-dependent viscosity

M. Vynnycky, M. A. O'Brien

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this paper, we revisit, both asymptotically and numerically, the problem of a hot buoyant spherical body with a zero-traction surface ascending through a Newtonian fluid that has temperature-dependent viscosity. Significant analytical progress is possible for four asymptotic regimes in terms of two dimensionless parameters: the Péclet number, Pe, and a viscosity variation parameter, . Even for mild viscosity variations, the classical isoviscous result due to Levich is found to hold at leading order. More severe viscosity variations lead to an involved asymptotic structure that was never previously adequately reconciled numerically; we achieve this successfully with the help of a finite-element method.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3154-3177
Number of pages24
JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation
Volume219
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Nov 2012

Keywords

  • Asymptotics
  • Slow flow
  • Temperature-dependent viscosity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An asymptotic and numerical study of slow, steady ascent in a Newtonian fluid with temperature-dependent viscosity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this