MULTIPLE ATTRACTORS OF MIXED CONVECTION IN CONFINED SPACES

Abstract

Dynamical structure and physical mechanism of multiple attractors in mixed convection are investigated using a simplified model in the form of ordinary differential equations. Stability analysis and bifurcation analysis on the dynamical behavior show that when the Archimedes number is fixed in some region, an inverted bifurcation takes place as the Reynolds number is increased. A quasi-periodic attractor may coexist with a stable attractor. Any small changes in the system parameter near the bifurcation point may cause discontinuous variations of mixed convection in confined spaces. In such a case, physiological hazards happen in the ventilated rooms if the system parameters are near the bifurcation point.