Natural Convection Heat Transfer from Horizontal Rectangular Fin Arrays

Abstract

ABSTRACT. In this study , steady state natural convection in rectangular fin arrays on a horizontal base was numerically investigated. To solve the problem , the complete NavierStokes equations were transformed to a set of vorticity-vector potential equations. Vorticity transport and energy equations were numerically solved in three dimensions by ADI (Alternating Direction Implicit ) method developed by Brain [ 1]. Vector potential equations were solved by using iterative methods. Steady behavior of the flow and temperature distribution were obtained from transient solution of the governing equations. Effects of geometrical parameters on heat transfer coefficient were investigated and different types of flow occuring in fin arrays were discussed.