Effect of rotating cylinder on heat transfer in a differentially heated rectangular enclosure filled with power law non-Newtonian fluid

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate two dimensional steady state convective heat transfer in a differentially heated square cavity with constant temperatures and an inner rotating cylinder. The gap between the cylinder and the enclosure walls is filled with power law non-Newtonian fluid. Design/methodology/approach – Finite volume-based CFD software, Fluent (Ansys 15.0) is used to solve the governing equations. Attribution of the various flow parameters of fluid flow and heat transfer are investigated including Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, power law index, the cylinder radius and the angular rotational speed. Findings – Outcomes are reported in terms of isotherms, streamlines and average Nusselt number (Nu) of the heated wall for various considered here. Research limitations/implications – A detailed investigates is needed in the context of 3D flow. This will be a part of the future work. Practical implications – The effect of a rotating cylinder on heat transfer and fluid flow in a differentially heated rectangular enclosure filled with power law non-Newtonian fluid has practical importance in the process industry. Originality/value – The results of this study may be of some interest to the researchers of the field of chemical or process engineers.