Numerical simulation for laminar natural convection with in a vertical heated channel

Abstract EN

A numerical investigation has been performed to estimate the induced flow rate for a laminar natural convection flow of air in a vertical channel with isothermal walls conditions (one hot and another is cold).

The two-dimensional governing equations have been solved using finite volume method.

The coupling between the continuity and momentum equations is solved by using the SIMPLE algorithm.

After the validity of the present code by comparing results with these of previous study for the similar conditions, solutions have been obtained for Prandtl number of 0.7, aspect ratio of (4 to 20) and wall temperature difference of (10 to 30).

The effects of the changes in these parameters on the induced flow rate, Grashof number and flow patterns within the channel have been predicted.

A mathematical form of flow rate correlation is presented for these cases.