A linear stability study of the gradient zone of a solar pond

Abstract

The linear stability of a plane layer with horizontal temperature and concentration stratification corresponding to gradient zone of a solar pond is investigated. The problem is described by Navier-Stokes equations with Boussinesq-Oberbeck approximation. Two source terms are introduced in the energy equations: the absorption of solar energy characterized by the extinction radiative coefficient μe and by the parameter f defined as the ratio of extracted heat flux to absorbed heat flux in the lower convective zone. The influence of the parameters μe and f on the onset of thermosolutal convection in the case of confined and infinite layers is analyzed. It is found that convection starts in an oscillatory state, independently of the RaS value. Different convection solutions were found for marginal stability and steady state.