Local Thermal Non-Equilibrium and Heterogeneity Effects on the Onset of Convection in a Layered Porous Medium

The effect of local thermal non-equilibrium on the onset of convection in a porous medium consisting of two horizontal layers is studied analytically. Linear stability theory is applied. Variations of permeability, fluid conductivity, solid conductivity, interphase heat transfer coefficient and porosity are considered. It is found that heterogeneity of permeability and fluid conductivity have a major effect, heterogeneity of interphase heat transfer coefficient and porosity have a lesser effect, while heterogeneity of solid conductivity is relatively unimportant.