Numerical results for the classical free convection flow problem in a square porous cavity using spline functions

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the problem of natural convection in a square cavity filled with a fluid-saturated porous medium having constant temperatures on the side walls, and the numerical results are obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

Dimensionless equations governing the mathematical model together with the boundary conditions are obtained, and the problem is solved by spline functions.

Findings

The numerical results of streamlines, isotherms and local and average Nusselt numbers are investigated and discussed for different values of the governing parameters. The Rayleigh number is proposed to be control parameter for heat and fluid flow inside the cavity.

Originality/value

Interesting results with this new numerical method have been obtained, such as the behaviour of the convective cells and the local and average Nusselt number. The obtained results are compared and successfully validated with previous reported results from the open literature. The present numerical results are new and original. The reported results can contribute to other researchers on electing the relevant parameters to optimize the heat transfer process in the modern industry.

Citation

Micula, S. and Pop, I. (2021), "Numerical results for the classical free convection flow problem in a square porous cavity using spline functions", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 753-765. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-03-2020-0159