Three-dimensional natural convection heat transfer of a liquid metal in a cavity

The paper describes a numerical algorithm for the solution of the steady-state Navier-Stokes equations in three dimensions for the problem of natural convection in a rectangular cavity as a result of differential side heating. Numerical results for two- and three-dimensional models are reported for a cavity filled with a low-Prandtl-number fluid. Supporting experiments using gallium as a working fluid are described. Measured temperatures are compared with predictions of the three-dimensional model. Agreement between data and predictions is only fair and reasons for the discrepancy are identified.