Mixed Convection of Heat Transfer in a Square Lid-Driven Cavity

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Three dimensional steady state mixed convection in a lid driven cubical cavity heating from below has been investigated numerically. Two sided walls are maintained at a constant ambient temperature T top > T bottom , while the vertical walls are thermally insulated. Governing equations expressing in a dimensionless form are solved by using finite element method. The Reynolds number is fixed at Re=100, while the Richardson number is varied from 0.001 to 10. Parametric studies focusing on the effect of the Richardson number on the fluid flow and heat transfer have been performed. The flow and heat transfer characteristics, expressed in terms of streamlines, isotherms and average wall Nusselt number are presented for the entire range of Richardson number considered. Multiple correlations in terms of the heat transfer rate and Richardson number has been established.