Free convection heat transfer in an inclined channel asymmetrically heated in laminar regime

Abstract

This paper deals with the numerical modeling of the open flow induced by natural convection within tilted asymmetrically heated channel with constant heat flux equal to 510 W/m2 and for a modified Rayleigh number Ra* =4.5×106. The slope of the channel can vary between 0° and 90°. The inclined channel is immerged in a tank filled with water, which represents the surrounding environment, in order to overcome the heat radiation effect and pressure conditions at the inlet and outlet of the channel. The conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy are solved using the finite volume method and the numerical simulations are performed using Ansys Fluent CFD software. The influence of the inclination of the channel on the thermal and dynamic behaviors of flow within the channel is analyzed. The results are plotted in term of local Nusselt number, streamlines, isotherms and axial velocity profiles as well.