Time dependent holographic interferometry and finite-element analysis of heat transfer within a rectangular enclosure

Abstract

In this thesis, the finite-element method was developed to numerically analyze heat transfer by laminar natural convection within a rectangular cavity, a classical fluid flow problem. A second auxiliary case study involving Couette flow was included to test the flexibility of this analysis technique. Analyzing heat flows experimentally was also explored utilizing holographic interferometry. Specific problems encountered during this phase of research are presented with appropriate comments.