Flow Reversal in Opposing Mixed Convection Flow in Inclined Pipes

An experimental investigation of opposing mixed convection in an inclined pipe has been conducted. Dye injection reveals the existence of flow reversal regions. There is an optimal tilt angle that yields maximum flow reversal length. Flow reversals are seen to cause early transition to turbulence. Temperature profiles are measured across the tube cross section near the entrance to the heated section, and show the effect of tube inclination. Temperature measurements exhibit periodic behavior in the flow reversal region under some conditions, generally characterized by low tilt angle and moderate to high Reynolds and Grashof numbers. Flow visualization indicates that this periodic behavior is due to the intermittent breakdown of the flow reversal region.