Numerical simulation of three-dimensional natural convection in a cuboid box containing heat generating porous medium

Abstract

Paper presented to the 10th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Florida, 14-16 July 2014.

The present numerical study presents results of steady three-dimensional natural convection in a cuboid box filled with fluid saturated porous medium. The porous medium is heated using uniform heat generation source. All six faces are subjected to isothermal condition. Darcy flow model has been employed. Governing equations have been numerically solved using Successive Accelerated Replacement Scheme. Maximum temperature and its location have been determined for wide range of parameters i.e. Rayleigh number, horizontal and vertical aspect ratios. As Rayleigh number increases, the value of maximum temperature decreases and its position shifts upward along mid vertical axis. There is significant effect of Rayleigh number and aspect ratios on flow and temperature fields.