Numerical Study on Mixed Convection in Ventilated Cavities with Different Aspect Ratios

• Main Author: Antonio Carozza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-01-01
• Series: Fluids
• Subjects: assisting flow; heat transfer; mixed convection; vented cavity; opposing flow
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/3/1/11

An unsteady numerical investigation on mixed convection in a two dimensional open ended cavity with different aspect ratios is carried out. In this investigation, uniform temperature is set to the left and the right sides of the cavity while the other surfaces are adiabatic. The simulation is performed for a wide range of Reynolds numbers (Re = 100–1000) and Richardson numbers (Ri = 0.132–6.5 × 102), and various cavity aspect ratios (L/D = 0.5–4.0) and H/D = 0.1. Governing equations are solved using a cell centered finite volume code, a SIMPLE numerical projection scheme and a 2nd order accuracy. Results are presented in the form of streamlines, isothermal lines, and velocity profiles in the channel. The conclusion is that the enhancement of heat transfer rate is generated principally by the increasing Re and the assisting configuration is thermally more efficient when compared to the opposing one.