Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Mixed Convection Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in a Lid-driven Square Cavity Subjected to Different Heating Conditions

Abstract

Abstract The present study investigates mixed convective and fluid flow characteristics in a lid-driven enclosure filled with air and its walls subjected to various heating conditions. The vertical (left and right) walls of the enclosure are cooled (Tc), and the bottom wall is heated to (Th) while the horizontal lid-driven upper wall is subjected to sinusoidal heating. The dimensionless governing equations (continuity, momentum, and energy transport) were implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 software. The influences of Grashof number (103 ⩽ Gr ⩽ 105 ) and Reynold number in the interval of 1 ⩽ Re ⩽ 100 on the average Nusselt number ( NU ) for all walls of the cavity was examined. Furthermore, the results presented in the form of isotherms, streamlines, and the local and average Nusselt numbers in the enclosure for Re ⩽ 100 and Gr in the range of 103 ⩽ Gr ⩽ 105 . The results indicated the highest and lowest average rate of heat transfer at the bottom and top walls of the cavity respectively. The top wall region presented a higher velocity as confirmed by the velocity contour plots.