Numerical Investigation of Vortex Flow Dynamics and Heat Transport in a Wavy Cavity with Variable Cross-Section Cylinder Using Triangular Grid-Based Finite Element Method and Galerkin Weighted Residuals

Abstract

This work aims to develop a computational model to explore the dynamics of vortex flow physics and heat transport characteristics inside a wavy enclosure subjected to a cylinder of varying cross section. The physical problems are expressed in mathematical form by suitable sets of governing equations with the appropriate boundary conditions. This dimensionless form is subsequently solved using a free triangular grid-based finite element technique that utilizes the Galerkin weighted residuals methodology. The progress simulation were conducted for a range of Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), aspect ratios (1 ≤ Ra ≤ 3), and various inclination angles of an elliptical cylinder (0° ≤ ϕ ≤ 90°). The numerical solutions to the problems are visually shown in terms of streamlines, isotherms, angle of orientation, and mean Nusselt number in terms of heat transport rate. The findings of the current study and a previously published paper are noted to be strongly in agreement. The most significant enhancement in heat transport was observed when the elliptical cylinder was oriented in a vertical arrangement when AR = 3.0 and Ra = 106.