Modeling of Natural Turbulent Convection in an Enclosure with Localized Heating
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Kiprop, Josephat Kiplagat
Otieno, Awuor Kennedy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishing
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to model natural turbulent convection in an enclosure with
localized heating.
Methodology: The study considered the equations governing a free convection. Precisely, the
equations governed a Newtonian fluid that experiences transfer of heat or mass. The governing
equations were derived from the conservation principles namely the conservation of mass, the
conservation of momentum, and the conservation of energy. These equations were decomposed
using the Reynolds decomposition then the decomposed equations were non-dimensionalized and
reduced using the Boussinesq assumptions. The k-ε model was employed in the simulation of flow
characteristics. Finally, the equations were solved numerically for the flow quantities.
Results: The results were presented in form of isotherms and vector potentials in different sections
of the enclosure. The results of the study indicated that the variation of the Rayleigh number affects
the flow properties such as the velocity and temperature. Specifically, it was found that the increase
in the Rayleigh number results in the increase in the velocity magnitude and a decrease in
temperature.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The determination of flow properties is
attained with the change in the dimensions of the enclosure and keeping the aspect ratio constant.
Furthermore, the bottom wall is heated while the top wall is cold and the other four walls are
adiabatic. It is recommended that and investigation is carried out instances where: one makes use
of a difference turbulence model such as the k-ω SST turbulence model and observe the fluid
properties one carries out an investigation keeping the Rayleigh number constant and varying the
aspect ratio and the dimensions of the enclosure and where investigation of the fluid properties in
the enclosure with a heater being introduced at the bottom wall and a window at the top wall.
Description
An Article Published in Journal of Statistics and Actuarial Research
Keywords
Natural turbulent convection, Localized Heating