Linear and non-linear stability analysis of double-diffusive Hadley-Prats flow through horizontal porous layer with non-uniform thermal and solutal gradients

Abstract

A scientific model is devised to understand the onset of double-diffusion Hadley-Prats flow through an infinite parallel permeable channel with non-uniform thermal, solutal gradients, and concentration based internal heat generation under the influence of convection conditions is considered. Darcy’s model is implemented in the context of a porous medium, which is characterized as isotropic and homogeneous. A linear and nonlinear stability analysis is conducted with the help of energy functional method and longitudinal roll perturbations are examined. The emerged dimensionless eigenvalue problem in the linear and nonlinear stability analysis is solved numerically by utilizing fourth order Runge-Kutta method (RK-4) method and shooting scheme. The critical values of wave and vertical thermal Rayleigh numbers are examined. A comprehensive analysis of solutions concerning the onset of convection mechanism is conducted. The produced results are discussed for the various values of emerged physical parameters. It is evident that, the presence of non-uniform thermal and solutal gradients and the internal heat generation mechanism causes the significant variations in the critical values of vertical thermal Rayleigh number in the channel regime.

Keywords:

• Critical wave number
• critical thermal Rayleigh number
• energy method
• Lewis number
• porous medium
• thermo-solutal instability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).