Numerical analysis of free convection and entropy generation in a cavity using compact finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the compact finite-difference lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate the free convection within a cavity. Design/methodology/approach The finite-difference discretization method enables the numerical simulations to be run when there are non-uniform and curvilinear grids with a finer near-wall grid resolution. Furthermore, the high-order method is applied in the numerical approach, which makes it possible to go with relatively coarse mesh in respect to simulations, which used classical lattice Boltzmann method. The configuration of the cavity is set to sine-walled square. In addition, the cavity is filled with Al2O3-water nanofluid, and the Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li model is used to estimate the properties of nanofluid. Findings The nanoparticle (Al2O3) concentration in the base fluid (water) is considered in a range of 0-0.04. The nanofluid flow and heat transfer are investigated in laminar regime with Rayleigh number in the range of 103-106. The second law analysis is used to study the effects of different governing parameters on the local and volumetric entropy generation. The Rayleigh number, configuration of the cavity and nanoparticle concentration are considered as the governing parameters. The results are mainly focused on the flow structure, temperature field, local and volumetric entropy generation and heat transfer performance. Originality/value The originality of this study is using of a modern numerical method supported by an accurate prediction for nanofluid properties to simulate the flow and heat transfer during natural convection in a cavity.