Free Convective Heat Transfer Across Inclined Air Layers

This paper presents new experimental measurements on free convective heat transfer rates through inclined air layers of high aspect ratio, heated from below. The Rayleigh number range covered is from subcritical to 105; the range of the angle of inclination, φ measured from the horizontal is: 0 < φ < ∼70 deg. Although it was anticipated that the results might be identical to the results for the horizontal layer if one replaced Ra by Ra cos φ, significant departures from this behavior were observed, particularly in the range 1708 < Ra cos φ < 104, 30 deg ≤ φ < 60 deg. A recommended relationship giving the Nusselt number as a function of Ra cos φ and φ is reported. This relationship fits all data closely.