Three-Dimensional Convection in an Inclined Porous Layer Subjected to a Vertical Temperature Gradient

In this paper,we study the onset and development of three-dimensional convection in a tilted porous layer saturated with a liquid.The layer is subjected to a gravitational field and a strictly vertical temperature gradient.Typically,problems of thermal convection in tilted porous media saturated with a liquid are studied by assuming constant different temperatures at the boundaries of the layer,which prevent these systems from supporting conductive(non-convective)states.The boundary conditions considered in the present work allow a conductive state and are representative of typical geological applications.In an earlier work,we carried out a linear stability analysis of the conductive state.It was shown that at any layer tilt angles,the most dangerous type of disturbances are longitudinal rolls.Moreover,a non-zero velocity component exists in z-direction.In the present work,threedimensional non-linear convection regimes are studied.The original three-dimensional problem is reduced to two-dimensional one with an analytical expression for the velocity z-component v_(z)=v_(z)(x,y).It is shown that the critical Rayleigh number values obtained through numerical solutions of the obtained 2D problem by a finite difference method for different layer inclination angles,are in a good agreement with those predicted by the linear theory.The number of convective rolls realized in nonlinear calculations also fits the linear theory predictions for a given cavity geometry.Calculations carried out at low supercriticalities show that a direct bifurcation takes place.With increasing supercriticality,no transitions to other convective regimes are detected.The situation studied in this problem can be observed in oil-bearing rock formations under the influence of a geothermal temperature gradient,where the ensuing fluid convection can affect the distribution of oil throughout the layer.