Flow and energy fields in a resonant channel

The hydro- and thermodynamical processes near and within a two-dimensional resonant channel are simulated by numerical solution of the compressible Navier-Stokes, continuity, energy equations, and the equation of state (for air as the working fluid). The channel wall is maintained at a constant temperature and the effects of gas viscosity, and heat conduction of the gas are investigated concentrating on the time averaged velocity, temperature, energy flux density and energy streamlines in the gas. Energy streamline contours and energy flux density plots qualitatively agree with Merkli and Thomanns' [P. Merkli, H. Thomann, Thermoacoustic effects in a resonance tube. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 70 (1975) 161-177.] observations. It is observed that energy transfer inside the channel consisted of two factors for the cases considered: one due to conduction term and the other due to enthalpy term. The results are applicable to thermoacoustic devices.