Turbulent Thermal Convection — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the concept of turbulent thermal convection, a process where temperature is coupled with the velocity field. The lesson explains the system of thermal convection, starting with the internal temperature and how it interacts with the velocity field. It discusses the concept of buoyancy and how it affects the system, and the role of pressure gradient in driving the flow. The lesson also delves into the concept of structure function and how it relates to the Kolmogorov theory. For instance, like a philanthropist injecting money into a system, the flux should increase with k. The lesson concludes with the importance of walls in turbulent flows, emphasizing that one theory cannot explain everything.

Video Highlights

00:31 - Discussion on the governing equations of turbulent thermal convection
05:36 - Explanation of the concept of flux in thermal convection
07:15 - Discussion on the concept of temperature flux in thermal convection
14:00 - Explanation of the concept of structure function in thermal convection
17:09 - Discussion on the concept of boundary layer in thermal convection

Key Takeaways

- Turbulent thermal convection involves the coupling of temperature with the velocity field.
- The system is driven by the pressure gradient, despite the presence of buoyancy.
- The structure function aligns with the Kolmogorov theory, indicating similar properties between hydrodynamic turbulence and thermal convection.
- The presence of walls in turbulent flows significantly impacts the system, demonstrating the limitations of a single theory in explaining all phenomena.