Finite Volume Computational Fluid Dynamics Package for Solving Convective Heat Transfer Cases

Abstract

Computational fl uid dynamics (CFD) has brought a step change in the fi eld of fl ow analysis, particularly in the areas of fl uid dynamics and heat transfer, which are intertwined. It has carved a niche in applications where, a decade back, experimentation was the only way forward. This article covers the benchmarking of convective heat transfer cases through the use of CFD software. The cases investigated are common cases of heat transfer involving free convection and one case involving forced convection. The results from CFD analysis are compared with the regressions available for each test case. The two sets of data coincide well, with a percentage difference as low as 0.4%. Information on setting up CFD analysis accurately, particularly for solving problems of natural convection, is also included.

A contemporary course on the introduction to computational fluid dynamics

“…The use of CFD is very popular in Mechanical Engineering programs that involve heat transfer. For example, Junaidi et al 5 used finite volume approaches to solve heat transfer problems, Jithish and Kumar 6 used CFD for heat transfer oriented problems and course development, Zamora et al 7 integrated CFD into the heat transfer curriculum using a Matlab approach, and Ayatollahi et al 8 used Matlab to create a digital laboratory that coincides with the heat transfer experiments at Shiraz University. CFD has also been combined into the curriculum without creating a stand-alone elective.…”

“…Fluid mechanics and associated boundary conditions are introduced through the book of Cummings et al. 46 and Mueller 18 in Chapter 5, which gives an excellent introduction. Additional details that are relevant for contemporary solvers are presented in Carlson, 47 which shows the formulations, implementation, and results of a contemporary solver.…”